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Sciences 
Corporation 


23  WEST  MAIN  STREET 

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(716)  872-4503 


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CIHM/ICMH 

Microfiche 

Series. 


CIHM/ICMH 
Collection  de 
microfiches. 


Canadian  Institute  for  Historical  Microreproductions  /  Institut  Canadian  de  microreproductions  historiques 


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Technical  and  Bibliographic  Notes/Notes  techniques  et  bibliographiques 


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to  t^ 


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post 
of  tl 
filmi 


Orig 

begi 

the 

sion 

othc 

first 

sion 

or  il 


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D 


Only  edition  available/ 
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The 
shal 
TIN 
whi 

Mai 
diff( 
enti 
beg 
righ 
reqi 
met 


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This  item  is  filmed  at  the  reduction  ratio  checked  below/ 

Co  document  est  filmi  au  taux  de  rMuction  indiqui  ci-dessous. 

10X  14X  18X  22X 


26X 


30X 


• 

12X 


16X 


20X 


24X 


28X 


32X 


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to  the  generosity  of: 


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History  Department 


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or  illustrated  impression. 


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empreinte. 


The  last  recorded  frame  on  each  microfiche 
shall  contain  the  symbol  -^  (meaning  "CON- 
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method: 


Un  des  symboles  suivants  apparatt-^a  sur  la 
dernidre  image  de  cheque  microfiche,  selon  le 
cas:  le  symboie  ~^  signifie  "A  SUIVRE  ",  le 
symbole  V  signifie  "FIN". 

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fiim^is  d  des  taux  de  reduction  diff6rents. 
Lorsque  le  document  est  trop  grand  pour  dtre 
reproduit  en  un  seul  clich6,  il  est  film^  d  partir 
de  I'angle  sup6rieur  gauche,  de  gauche  d  droite, 
et  de  haut  en  bas,  en  prenant  le  nombre 
d'images  nicessaire.  Les  diagrammes  suivants 
illustrent  la  m^thode. 


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A    GALLOP 


AMONG 


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AMERICAN  SCENERY; 


OR, 


SKETCHES 


OF 


American  Scenes  and  Military  Adventure 


BY 


AUGUSTUS    E.    SILLIMAN. 


A.  S 


NEW  YORK: 

.  BARNES  &  CO..  _m_&  "3  William  Street. 
1881. 


/a^/yx 


TO 


HENJAMIN     D.     SILLIMAN 


THIS 


LITTLE    VOLUME 


IS 


AFFECTIONATELY    INSCRIBED, 


BY 


HIS    BROTHER 


1 


CONTENTS. 


Banks  of  the  Potomac, 

The  Country  Pastor,      .... 

Mount  Vfrnon 

The  Medical  Student,  .  .  •  • 
The  Resurrectionists, 
Old  Kennedy,  the  Quartermaster,  I, 
Old  Kennedy,  the  Quartermaster,  II, 
Old  Kennedy,  the  Quartermaster,  III, 
Old  Kennedy,  the  Quartermaster,  IV, 
The  Partisan  Legion,     .         .        •        • 

Hudson  River, 

Night  Attack  on  Fort  Erie, 

Battle  of  Lunoy's  Lane, 

Lake  George  and  Ticonderoga,   . 

Montreal, 

The  Nun,  ....■• 

Cataracts  of  Niagara, 

Mount  Holyoke,     .        .        ■        •        • 

White  Mountains,       .... 

Bass  Fishing  off  Newport,    . 

Brenton's  Reef,  .        •        •        • 

Old  Trinity  Steeple,     .        .        .        . 


PAOE. 
I 


7 

12 

22 

34 
44 
51 
56 
64 
73 

99 
104 

112 
122 
130 
134 
137 
143 
147 

161 
168 


(— 


VI 


CONTENTS 


Old  SciPio,  

The  Pequot,  

Captain  Kidd, 

Spiritiana  : 

No.    I. — Hydrachos 

No.  II.— Winter, 

A  Peep  Over  the  Blue  Ridge,        .        .        .        • 

The  Dead  Man's  Sermon, 

A  Trip  Through  Long  Island  Sound  : 

No.       I.— Hell  Gate, 

No.      II.— Burning  of  Fairfield  and  Danbury, 

No.    III.— Night  Alarm 

No.   IV.— "The  Boys,"       .        .         .        ■ 
No.     V. — The  Unfortunate  Lover, 
j^Q     VI.— Adventure  on  the  Mississippi,     . 
j^Q  VII. — New  London  and  Stonington, 

The  Blind  Officer, 

Greenwood  Cemetery,        .        •        •        • 
Appendix,  .        .        • 


I' At  IK. 

i8i 

187 
191 

.98 
216 
220 

349 

355 
261 

265 

271 

273 
279 
283 

293 
305 


1 


I 


■J 


i8i 

187 
191 

198 
216 
220 

349 

ass 
361 

365 

271 

273 
279 
283 

293 
305 


J* 
-1 


'k 


PREFACE. 


HE  /(irgtr  part  of  this  volwe  {noxv  long  out  of  print) 
xvas  published  many  years  since.  The  various 
sketches  of  which  it  is  composed  were  tvritten  for 
recreation,  amid  the  cares  of  business ;  reviving,  as  they  did, 
recollections  of  attractive  scenery  and  passages  of  military  and 
naval  history,  the  latter  made  specially  interesting  to  the  tvritcr 
by  oral  narratives  of  persons  themselves  engaged  in  them. 

When  the  booh  was  written,  we  had  little  of  military 
history  except  that  of  the  Revolution,  and  the  events  of  ''the 
War  of  1812"  ivere  cherished  tvith  deep  regard  by  the  public; 
but  since  then,  the  smoke  and  carnage  of  the  Mexican  War, 
and  the  gigantic  horrors  of  the  conflict  ivith  the  South,  have 
thrown  them  almost  entirely  in  the  shade. 

It  is  hardly  necessary  to  say  that  most  of  the  dramatis 
personce  ivhich  figure  in  these  sketches  are  ideals,  improvised 
for  the  purpose  of  telling  their  various  stories,  nor  that  in  a 
zuork  so  tinged  by  the  imagination  a  degree  of  poetic  license  is 
taken  to  give  continuity  to  the  narration. 

To  occupy  some  idle  hours,  the  writer  has  prepared  this 
edition;  adding  to  it  a  number  of  chapters  not  contained  in 
the  first. 


June,  1881. 


BANKS  OF  THE  POTOMAC. 


UMBER 


State  Street.''^    Storm  without. 


Apartment,  strewed  with  sundry  bachelor  appur- 
tenances, frojtting  on  the  Battery;  a  gentleman 
in  dressing-gown  and  slippers,  measuring  the  room 
with  hasty  strides,  exclaims  iinpatiently : 
Northeast,  by  the  flags  of  the  shipping  in  the  bay  !    Northeast, 
by  the  chill  rain  dashing  on  the  window  paries  !     Northeast,  by 
the  weather-cocks  on  all  the  steeples,  from  St.  Paul's  to  the  dog- 
vane  on  the  stable  end!     Northeast,  by  the  ache  of  every  bone 
in  my  body  !    Eheu  !   What's  to  be  done  ?    No  going  abroad  in 
this  torrent.  I've  read  all  the  landlady's  little  library.  How  shall 
I  kill  the  enemy  f    I'll  whistle  ;  vulgar.     Sing;  I  can't.     There 
are  the  foils  and  the  gloves.    Pshaw  I     I  have  no  friend  to  pom- 
mel or  pink  ;  besides,  the  old  lady  in  the  room  below  has  7ierves. 
Whew!  how  it  pours!    I' II— I' II— stand  and  look  out  into  the 
street.     Jupiter  !  how  near  the  bread-cart  came  to  going  over  the 
chimney-sweep.    Poor  Sooty— how  he  grtns  !     He  owes  the  worm, 
no  silk,  whatever  obligations  his  rags  may  be  under  to  the  sheep. 
Poor  fellow!    Halloa!  ho!  blackey ;  catch  this  quarter,  and 
get  you  a  hot  breakfast.     There  goes  that  confoimded  battery 
gate  again!  bang!  bang!  night  and  day. 

Alas  !  me  miserable.     What  shall  I  do  ?    The  spirit  of  ennui 
rides  me  as  thoroughly  as  did  the  "  old  man  of  the  sea,"  Sinbadthe 
*0n  this  street,  at  chat  time,  were  the  residences  of  the  ilite  of  the  city. 


I  1 


BANKS  OF  THE  POTOMAC 

old  lady's  -''-"''"^■JZT^><.m^     The  tin  spout  is  choked, 
Z:LC:::iseaLpen,.el.sin,^^^^^^^^ 

Hu,n-what  shall! do  f    ^*^^^^__       ^^^„„,„  ,f  „y  last 
down  and  give  my  friend  « 

""tonethhisehairnp  to  t,te  ta^U  -'^^^-^ttw 
.„  the  fender,  and  proceeds  ,o  nib  his  pen)    Now  for  U  iWrites).  ^ 

______——,    the  argu- 


You  well  recollect,    my  dear 


Tit  d   tr^d"C     you  to  make  a   short  journey 
ments  1  usea,  lu    i"vj«        j  „^„r  an!;wer: 

slave;  ""ere,  the.  ^erv  ^^^^.^^^  .^^^^^^^^  ^^^.^ 

veoman,  and  the  grim  cannuu  u  thp  sword 

Mattered  wheels;  the  "ayonet and prumng-hook. ^h   sw  rd 
and  the  ploughshare,  rest  without  a  name     You  well  reco> 
ect  th.t'l  reproached  you.  the  rather,  w.th  too  ^ -    '- 
,or  the  green  fields  and  .'-t  e|™s  -u"d  ^^    u   -c  cot 

irxuiri^tV::^-!:::  seethe 


-a 


I     I 


sseth  his  legs 
y  it  {Writes). 

,    the  argu- 
ort  journey 
our  answer: 
ill    recollect 
:,  alone ;  that 
IS  but  a  flash  ; 
tocity  to  that 
ig  foot-print : 
the  monarch 
chain  of  the 
a  wain  of  the 
nterlock  their 
»ok,  the  sword 
ou  well  recol- 
:oo  great  love 
Dur  rustic  cot- 
ed  in  the  doc- 
e  thy  immortal 


BANKS  OF  THE  POTOMAC  3 

part  transferred,  on  its  exit  from  its  present  habitation,  to  one 
of  those  huge  trees  towering  into  the  blue  ether;  that  there, 
in  the  sunny  mornings  of  summer,  for  sonnets  which  do  en- 
liven  thy  library,  I  should  hear  the  joyous  call  of  the  robin, 
the  shrill  whistle  of  the  scarlet  oriole  ;  for  sparkling  wit,  the 
dew  of  night  glittering  on  thy  leaves  in  the  early  sunbeams ; 
for  wise  old  saws  and  dreamy  legends,  venerable  moss  gath- 
ering upon  thy  trunk  and  branches ;  while,  alike  in  the  even- 
ing wind  or  howling  blast,  thou  shouldest  stand  firm  against 
casuistry   or  dictation.    "Wilt  go?"    "Wilt  join  me? "- 
with  soft  persuasion   murmured    I.     ''My  business"  quoth 
thou.     "  Presto,"  quoth  I  ;  and  without  more  ado  started  in 
my  usual  heels-over-head  fashion  alone  on  my  journey. 

I  swept  over  the  broad  breast  of  the  Delaware ;  dashed 
down  the  enemy-insulted  Chesapeake;  bounded  through 
the     city    of    riots   and   beauty,   and   came  down   on   my 

feet  at  the  cottage  of  my  whole-souled  friend,  Tom  B , 

on  the  banks  of  the  Potomac.  The  afternoon  of  my  arrival 
was  warm  and  still,  and  everything  in  nature,  even  the  birds, 
seemed  wrapped  in  indolent  repose.  Slowly  sauntering 
through  the  long  vistas  of  sycamores  and  elms  which  adorn- 
ed the  grounds  in  picturesque  avenues,  the  airy  East  Indian 
cottage  of  my  friend  suddenly  broke  upon  my  sight,  peer- 
ing from  a  whole  load  of  flowering  vines  and  sweet-briers, 
tall  white  lilies  and  moss  roses,  from  thick  beds  of  myrtle  at 
their  feet,  climbing  into  the  half-open  lattices,  while  two  tow- 
ering  pines  almost  crossed  their  extended  branches  above  its 
lowly  roof.  I  stole  quietly  through  the  open  door,  examin. 
ing  the  choice  Italian  landscapes  hanging  upon  the  walls  of 
the  airy  grass-matted  hall ;  slid  through  the  drawing-rooms, 
stopping  for  a  moment  to  scan  the  crouching  Venus  and  dy- 


BANKS  OP  THE  POTOMAC 
riadiator  on  their   pedestals,  to  admire  the  exquisite 
Z^i^cl  Dolc^  the  lovely  Claude,  the  Cenc.  and 
E,  beneath  their  silken  tassels  ;  and,  -"-^  ^^ X^fj. 

1      4-v,o  Vino-p   old  Newfoundlander,     oer- 
luxurious  repose,  lay  the  huge  ^^^  f^'^^^^ 

nard,"  and  his  favorite  pointer,  "  Soho. 

The  mild  breeze  bore  in  the  sweet  perfume  o^  the  ^on.> 

^^^^of  fltCTd    e^  1:7  ora%e  trees,  released 

iZ  hi  Xt    •;  conhnement,  displayed  their  golden  fru., 
from  their  w  ^     tempting  profusion.     I 

heave  of  the  broad  chest,  and  the  masses  ot  rave 
pavTng  around  the  white  forehead  of  the  sleeper,  as  they 
wer     slowly   lifted  by  the  play  of  the  passing    wmd 
hou^h   it  ire  a  sin  to  disturb  him,  so,  drawmg  ou    my  ci- 
gar case,    fetched  myself  on  the  settee  at  his  side,  com- 


BANKS  OF  THE  POTOMAC 


exquisite 
:enci,  and 
upon  the 
rass  ham- 
2sta.    His 
ket,  huge 
3  corner  of 
leir  plump 
inipe,  with 
IS  the  back 
t,  beneath 
egs  in  like 
ider, "  Ber- 

the  honey- 
i   Potomac, 
)y  the  occa- 
ier  of  some 
rface.    The 
d  with  box, 
;mbroidered 
;es,  released 
golden  fruit, 
)rofusion.     I 
)uld  not  but 
le   measured 

raven  locks 
;per,  as  they 
ng  wind.  1 
[ig  out  my  ci- 
lis  side,  com- 


placently reclining  my  head  upon  its  arm.    Whiles  watching 
the  blue  smoke  of  my  "  cigar,"  as  it  slowly   wreathed  and 
floated  above   my  head,  whiles  watching  the  still  dreamy 
flow  of  the  river,  and  whiles— if  I  must  confess  it— cogitat- 
ing which  had  been  the  wisest,  myself  the  bachelor  or  Tom 
the  married  man,  Tom,  myself,  the  dogs,  forming  a  toler- 
ably  correct  picture  of  still  life,  a  still  life  that  remained  un- 
broken for  some  half  hour,  when  through  the  glass  doors  of 
the  drawing-room  a  beautiful  boy   of  three   or  four  years 
came  galloping  into  the  piazza,  and   bounding  towards  the 
dogs  threw  himself  full  length  upon  the  shaggy  Newfound- 
lander, manfully  striving  to  pull  open  his  huge  jaws  with 
his    little  hands.    The  Newfoundlander,  opening  his  eyes, 
saw  me,  and  raising  himself  on  his  legs  gave  a  low   growl, 
while  the  child,  relinquishing  his  hold  upon  the  ears  to 
which   he  had   clung  as  the  dog  arose  to  his  feet,  came 
slowly  up  to  me,  and  placing  his  plump   little  hands  upon 
my  knee,  looked  curiously  and  inquiringly  into  my  face,  his 
golden  locks  falling  in  a  profusion  of  ringlets  down  his  su- 
perb sunburnt  shoulders.     I  was  charmed   with  the  confi- 
dence, and  innocence,  and  sweetness  beaming  from  his  gaze, 
and  took  him  upon  my  knee,  his  hand   playing  with   my 
watch-guard,  while  his  beautiful  blue  eyes  remained  fixed  in 
the  same  look  of  curious  inquiry  on  mine.     I  said  it  was  a 
pi(j  -re  of  still  life.    Tom,  aroused  by  the  dog,  slowly  lifted 
his  head  over  the  edge  of  the  hammock,  rubbed  his  eyes  as 
if  uncertain  whether  he  were  in  a  dream,  as  I  calmly   and 
silently    returned   his  astonished  gaze,   and  then,   with    a 
single  swing,  was  at  my  side,  both  of  my  hands   clasped   in 
his.    The  next  moment,  I  fancy,  the  picture  was  other  than 
still  life. 


r^ 


I  ! 


g  BANKS  OF  THE  POTOMAC 

Why  Should  I  tell  you  of  the  tea-table,  loaded  with  del- 
icacies in  the  matted  hall,  as  the  soft  evening  sunset  poured 
its  last  rays  through  if.  of  the  symmetrical  ^^^l^  f^^^ 
snowy  whiteness;  the  Grecian  features;  the  dark.  Andalu- 
sian  eyes,  beaming  with  kindness  from  behind  the  ghtter.ng 
silver  at  its  head?     Why.  that  the  youngster,  fed  by    he 
handkerchief  in  the  high  chair  at  his  mother's  side    pertm- 
aciously  kicked  his  tiny  red  shoes  about  him  m  frohc  glee 
while  my  little  knight  of  the  golden  locks  d.d  the  duty  of 
the  trencher  at  his  father's  elbow  ?    Why,  that  as  the  shades 
of  evening  faded  into  twilight,  the  young  gentry  were  snugly 
ensconced  in  their  little  bed,  the  mother's  soft  cheek  pressed 
against  the  forehead  of  the  eldest  as  he  lisped  his  evenmg 
prayer  ?  And  why .  as  soon-"  like  twin  roses  on  one  stalk  - 
as  they  were   wrapped  in  innocent  slumber,  we  sat  m  the 
fading  twilight,  talking  over  old  scenes  and  boyish  recollec- 
tions, retracing  our  steps  back  to  those  days  which,  softened 
by  the  lapse  of  time,  appear  divested  of  everyth.ng  save 
brightness  and  sunshine  ?   Why ,  but  to  tell  you  that  we  we.e 
aroused    from   those    retrospections  by  the  sound  of  the 
church-going  bell,  musically  chiming  in  the  distance. 


THE  COUNTRY  PASTOR. 


THE  slow  toUing-now  almost  dying  away,  and  now 
striking  more  strongly  upon  the  ear-arose  from  tlie 
church  in  the  neighboring  v.Uage,  where  my  friends 
were  in  the  habit  of  worshipping,  and  where  they  were  to 
have  the  opportunity  on  that  evening  of  hearingthevo.ee 
of  their    time-honored  pastor-an  opportunity   wh.ch  h.s 
great  age  and  increasing  infirmities  had  made  equally  rare 
and  valuable.    I  gladly  accepted  the  invitation  to  join  them 
as  aside  from  a  desire  to  see  the  aged  man,  of  whom  I  had 
so' often  heard,  if  there  is  a  time  for  devotion  more  conso- 
nant to  my  feelings  than  another,  it  is  when  the  quietness  and 
serenity  of  a  summer's  evening  dispel  all  external  impres- 
sions,  and  everything  appears  in  unison  with  harmony  and 

benevolence.  ,         ^^     « 

As  we  walked  the  short  half  mile  between  the  cottage 
and  the  church,  the  stars  shone  in  beauty  amid  the  still  rosy 
tints  of  the  west ;  the  night-hawk  stooped  towards  us  as  he 
wheeled  in  his  airy  circles ;  the  whip-poor-will  in  the  adjom- 
ing  meadows  sounded  his  mournful  note,  and  the  crickets 
with  the  chirping  frogs  in  the  neighboring  ponds,  sustained 
a  ceaseless  chorus.    Arrived  at  the  churchyard,  we  picked 
our  way  among  the  old  brown  tombstones,  their  quaint  de- 
vices  contrasted  here  and  there  with  others  of  more  mod- 
ern pretensions  in  white  marble,  and  entering  the  church 
took  our  seats  in  silence.    We  were  early ;    but,  as  the 


g  THE  COUNTRY  PASTOR 

church  gradually  filled,  it  was  interesting  to  watch  group 
after  group,  as  it  noiselessly  measured  the  a.sles,  and  sunk 
nu  etly  upon  the  cushioned  seats.  Now  and  then  a  pa.r  of 
bright  eyes  would  glance  curiously  around  from  beneath  a 
gay  bonnet,  and  astray  tress  be  thrown  hastily  as.de,  but 
Ls!  those  clad  in  the  habiliments  of  woe,  too,  too  often 


moved  phantom-like,  to  their  places;  the  lights,  as  they 
r  V  ;  momentary  glare  on  their  pale  and  care  worn  faces 
Iking  more  dark  the  badges  which  affection  as  assum 
as  a  tame  index  of  inward  grief.  The  slow  toll  of  the  b^ 
ceased;  the  silence  became  more  d^^?^/"  ""^ 
cough,  the  rustling  of  a  dress,  the  turn  of    a  leaf,  alone 

''^I^C:^^^  -  gently  and  sweetly,  and 


Si 


THE    COUNTRY  PASTOR  9 

the  voluntary  floated  softly  and  mist-like  over  the  assembly, 
rising,  falling  and  undulating,  with  like  dreamy  harmony, 
as  if  the  ^olian  harp  were  answering,  with  the  passmg  airs 
playing  among  its  strings,   the  ocean   laving   his    pebbly 
shores,   till,  gradually   rising    and    increasing   in  depth,   it 
grandly  and  solemnly  ascended  upwards,  thrown  back,  re-    ^ 
verberated  from  the  walls  of  the  circular  dome  above  us,  in 
deep  and  distant  thunders.    All  became  again  silent.    The 
venerable   form    of    a  man   of   four-score  years,   his    hair 
bleached  with  the  sorrows  of  eighty  winters,  rose  slowly  in 
the  pulpit;  and  as,  with  eye.  closed,  yet  lifted  to  Heaven, 
he  feebly  supported  himself  with  outstretched  arms  upon  its 
cushion,  we  heard,  almost  in  a  whisper  :  "  Let  us  pray,  my 
brethren,"  fall  tremulously  from  his  lips.     Nought  but  the 
perfect  stillness  enabled  us  at  first  to  hear  the  sentences, 
pronounced    with    evident    and    painful    effort;    but,    as 
he    advanced    in    prayer,    that    almost    whisper    became 
firm   and   distinct,   and   his   pallid   cheek  lighted  up  with 
a  hectic  flush,  as  he  waxed  eloquent  in  the  presence  of  his 

IM^aker 

His*  venerable  features  appeared  to  glow  almost  with 
inspiration,  and  the  hearts  of  the  mourners  beat  more 
calmly,  as  they  felt  themselves  carried  into  the  Divine 
presence.  More  thoughtless  than  the  swallow  that  skims 
the  summer  skies  must  he  have  been,  who  could  have  heard 
that  prayer,  and  not  have  joined  with  reverence  in  its 
solemnity.  His  closing  words  still  ring  upon  my  ear,  and 
long  w'"  remain  stamped  upon  my  memory. 

-My  children:  your  fathers,  and  your  fathers'  fathers, 
have  listened  to  my  voice.  Generations  have  passed  by  me 
to  their  long  account,  and  still  I  have  been  left,  and  still  my 


THE   COUNTRY  PASTOR 

voice  hath  arisen  fron,  this  holy  place      Woe!  woe  is  me 
if  ^y  Master  hath  looiced  upon  me  as  a  siack  -^  unwo    hy 
servant  to  his  people.     But  a  few  short  days,  and  th    tern 
bling  voice,  that  still  strives  to  teach  h.s  blessed  will,  shall 
be  hushed,   his  tottering  form  be  laid  beneath  the  mould 
.om  whence  it  came  •,  but.  with  the  last  tones  o    th.s  qu.v 
ering  voice,  the  last  grasp  of  these  trembUng  hands,  1  ex 
te"d  to  you  this  sacred  volume,  as  your  guide  to  happmess 
in  this,  your  surest  light  into  the  world  to  come. 

"The  sneers  of  human  reason  and  vain  philosophy  will  de- 
sert  you  assuredly,  my  children,  as  you  stand  upon  the  edge 
of  that  awful  precipice,  where  each  of  you  al.ne  must  take 
the  fated  plunge  into  the  deep  darkness  of  the  future;  but 
this  shall  make  clear  your  passage  as  brightest  noon-day. 
My  children  .-I  look  back  upon  you  as  I  speak;  my  hand  is 
Tnthe  door-latch;  my  foot  upon  the  threshold-oh!  when 
your  short  days,  like  mine,  are  numbered,  may  you,  with  the 
same  reliance  in  his  mercy,  say  Amen ! '  , 

As  the  service  ended,  it  was  good  to  see  the  k.nd-hear  ed 
feeling  with  which  the  congregation  gathered  around   the 
venerable  man,  for  he  was  pure,  and  sincere,  and  true  ,  and 
of  a  verity,  as  he  said,  his  voice  had  ansen  among  them 
above  the  infant's  wail,  at  the  baptismal  font;  had  jomed 
them  with  cheerfulness  at  the  marriage  feast ;  and  st.U  been 
heard  in  solemn  sympathy  at  the  side  of  the  dark  and  s.len 
erave.    It  was  the  last  time  that  he  addressed  them.    Not 
many  days,  andanothervoicepronouncedthebunalserv.ee 
71  dead  in  that  green  churchyard,  and  the  form  of  the 
good    old   man    was   covered   from   their  s,ght    beneath 

.•|4-e  cod 

.    '    ,  ^_.„...d  to  our  rntla^e  home,  the  crescent  moon 


THE  CO  UN  TRY  PAS  TOR 


II 


voe  is  me, 
unworthy 
this  trem- 

will,  shall 
the  mould 

this  quiv- 
lands,  1  ex- 
I  happiness 


was  streaming  in  silvery  brightness,  the  constellations  and 
galaxy  resplendent  with  "  living  fires,"  and  the  far,  far 
worlds,  rolling  in  immeasurable  distance,  as  twinkling  stars, 
trembled  upon  our  human  vision.  The  dews  of  night  were 
moist  upon  the  grass,  as  we  remeasured  the  lawn  that  led  to 
the  cottage,  where,  after  planning  our  visit  for  the  following 
morning  to  Mount  Vernon,  we  soon  were  wrapped  in  con- 
tented  and  grateful  repose. 


)hy  will  de- 
Dn  the  edge 
must  take 
[uture;  but 
t  noon-day. 
my  hand  is 
—oh!  when 
ou,  with  the 

dnd-hearted 
around   the 
id  true ;  and 
imong  them 
;  had  joined 
md  still  been 
rk  and  silent 
.  them.     Not 
burial  service 
form   of  the 
Lght    beneath 


rescent  moon 


,111 


MOUNT  VERNON. 


i  1  i 


THE  sun  raised  himself  in  a  huge  globe  ol  fire  above 
the  eastern  horizon,  as  my  friend's  spirited  bays  stood 
saddled  at  the  door  of  the  cottage,  pawing,  champing 
the  bit,  and  playfully  endeavoring  to  bite  the  black  boy  who 
held  them.    Fmishing  an  early  breakfast,  we  were  soon  m 
our  saddles  and  full  gallop  on  our  journey  ;  the  dogs  m  an 
ecstacy  of  delight,  bounding  along  at  our  sides,  overhaulmg 
and  putting  in  bodily  terror  every  unfortunate  cur  that  came 
in  their  way,  as  they  sportively  tumbled  him  over  old  Ber^ 
nard,  with  glistening  eyes  and  wagging  tad   bestnd.ng  m 
grim  fun  the  prostrate  form  of  the  enemy.     We  passed  rap- 
fdly  through  the  rough-paved  streets  of  Alexandna,  watch- 
ing  eagerly  for  its  famed  '■"'.•!-  at  th<  r  casements  and 
clearing  the  town  were  soon  on  the  rustic  road  that  leads 
to  the  sacred  place  of  America. 

The  meadows  were  glistening  in  the  mornmg  dew ;  the 
sweet  perfume  of  the  clover  filled  the  air;  the  white  da.sy 
and  delicate  cowslip  danced  over  their  luxuriant  grassy  beds^ 
as  the  fresh  morning  breeze  fanned  them  in  its  passage ;  and 
amid  the  seaof  melody,  high  above  the  merry  goss.p  of  the 
bob-link,  the  chattering  volubility  of  the  mockmg-b.rd,  h,s 
yellow-spotted  breast  swelling  with  delight   h.s  keen  eye 
gazing  into  the  distance,  the  saucy  "you.an  t-see-nte    of  the 
Ladow  lark  sounded  in  merry  challenge;  wh.le  the  clear 
"whistle"   of  the  quaii  from   the  gol^vn  v...^ai 


MOUNT  VERNON 


n 


fire  above 
bays  stood 
,  champing 
:k  boy  who 
3re  soon  in 
dogs  in  an 
)verhauling 
ir  that  came 
er,  old  Ber- 
estriding  in 
i  passed  rap- 
idria,  watch- 
lements,  and 
I  that  leads 

ig  dew;  the 
white  daisy 
;  grassy  beds, 
passage;  and 
yossip  of  the 
king-bird,  his 
tiis  keen  eye 
ee-nte"  of  the 
lile  the  clear 
leat'field  was 


echoed'by  his  eager  companion  far  down  in  the  green  vales, 
as  they  stretched  softly  and  gently  into  the  distance,  in  the 
long  shadows  of  the  early  morning.  Oh  !  let  him  that  would 
scan  the  benevolence  of  the  Creator,  leave  his  restless  bed 
in  the  sweltering  city,  and  walk  forth  with  the  day  in  its 
youth;  for  verily,  like  man,  it  hath  its  youth,  its  manhood 


MOUNT    VERNON. 

and  its  old  age,  and  the  sweetness  of  morning  is  the  youth 

of  the  day. 

The  hedges  on  the  road-side  were  covered  with  a  tangled 
mass  of  verdure,  from  which  wild  vines  and  green  ivy  crept 
to  the  surrounding  trees,  wreathing  gracefully  their  trunks 
and  branches;  the  undergrowth  loaded  with  wild  roses  and 
honey -suckles.      The  graceful  fleur-de-lis,  curving  its  blue 


1    I    1  i 


MOUNT  VERNON 

LTar:rSri  ^n  the^adcs    wH,e  now  and 
Fat  ^^"^^  5  ,  t^    their  pastures,  the  horses,  with  tails 

fhpn  as  we  cantereu  u^  i."*^*    v  .,,         :„ 

into  the  broad  fieMs  nth  y    ^^^  hearty,  happy- 

thing  ^^«"«^^  7;„^;'  „/ ^ong  to  their  agricultural  labors, 
looking  negroes,  trudging  a      g  corning,"  as 

-^  "'CuS  uin^'oTsratairMount  Vernon, 
rnrZr  o.  -ergrowth  -.  other  res^..^as 

.Ud  and  untamed  as  ^^;;2'rSSZo.l  the  deep 
placed  foot  in  them.    Silence   re^  ^^ 

^'^nTdtr^or.^  :   tSathirpo.  the  s,nir 

::."iryi:rrd-dtru„.^^^^^ 

-t  with  nothing  to  |;;-ePt °- P™^^^^^^^^^  ^  ^^^^  ^„  ^^^ 

'TaVrwitr      on  r,udicrous,  hall-drunken  gravity, 
-:;:he  air  as  il  ^^"^'^'^ ^^^^ 

rt:ir::ergrrr-^ 


'4 
M 

I 

I 


MOUNT  VERNON 


15 


I  pond-lily, 
.  fragrance, 
y  bottoms, 
lie  now  and 
s,  with  tails 
^,  till,  arriv- 
would  look 
;allop  down 
)m.  Every- 
arty,  happy- 
Itural  labors, 
morning,"  as 
te  teeth  and 
irs,  to  mount, 
A  ride  of 
ount  Vernon, 
jr  respects  as 
ige  had  ever 
igh  the  deep 
lorses  as  the> 
,  of  the  squir- 
ck  rap-rap  of 

back  glanced 
eyesight.  We 
Now  and  then, 
le  mast  in  the 
,  stupidly  star- 
unken  gravity, 

our  progress: 
lort  about,  and 
i  in  the  air,  gal- 


lop off  with  desperate  precipitation  into  the  depths  of  the 
forest.    Journeying  a  mile  or  two  farther,  we  came  upon 
the  porter's  lodges  at  the  entrance  of  the  domain  proper, 
which  were  old  and  ruinous.    Proceeding  still  farther,  over  a 
very   bad  and  rough   carriage-road,  we  came  suddenly   in 
view  of  the  Potomac;  and  Mount  Vernon,  with  its  mansion- 
house  and  smooth,  green  lawn,  lay  extended  before  us,  Fort 
Washington's  battlements  and  cannon-filled  embrasures  in 
stern  silence  guarding  it  from  the  opposite  side  of  the  river. 
Fastening  our  horses,  under  the  guidance  of  a  grey-head- 
ed old  negro,  born  in  the  family  of  General  Washington,  we 
entered  the  ^.awn  and  came  upon  the  rear-front,  if  the  term 
may  be  allowed,  of  an   old-fashioned  manuon,  surmounted 
by  a  cupola  and  weather-cock,  semi-circular  piazzas  extend- 
ing around  from  each  end,  connecting  it  with  the  kitchen 
and  servants'  apartments.     Various  buildings,  all  bearing  the 
impress   of  time,  were  scattered  about,  evidently  in  archi- 
tectural order  and  plan,  and  the  two  large  gardens,  rendered 
interesting  by   the  flowers  and  plants  still  bloommg  in  the  , 
beds  where  they  had  been  placed  by  the  hands  of  th^  Gen- 
eral,  extended  back  to  the  forest  from  which  we  had  just 
emerged.    As  we  stood  for  a  moment  looking  at  the  old 
building,  we  almost  expected  to  see  the  yellow  travelling 
carriage  of  his  "Excellency,"  with  its  four  beautiful  bays  and 
liveried  out-riders,  draw  up  at  the  great  hall  door  in  its  cen- 
tre.    Having  sent  in  our  address,  we  received  permission  to 
enter  and  burvey  the  interior.     We  were  struck  with  its  ex- 
treme  simplicity,  the  lownes3  of  the  walls  and  ceilings,  and 
the  bare  floors,  which  were  waxed— not,  as  with  us,  carpet- 
ed.    The  sides  of  the  rooms  were  composed  exclusively  of 
wooden  panels,  upon  which  hung  some  old  oil  paintings. 


|l'!l 


MOUNT  VERNON 

the  corners.  ^  moment,  as  we  passed 

r»,ir  nttention  was  arresteu  lui  ci, » 

enclosed  in  a  glass  case     It  was  he  k  y^^      ^^^  ^^^^^^^^ 

-^^TC^^^^^^  convene  of 
generous.  >"  °  f  ^fj^ji,,,,  J3hip  of  rats  and  spiders, 
dungeons  ^^ere,  from  ^^^^^^^  ^^  ^^^  p^^^ 

^"^'""^ItlT    g'f    -^    oop-hole  in  its  lofty  towers. 
•  rs::a  thetrtep  o.  the  casualpassengerupon  the  cause- 

"'!.  Masses  de  Latude,  tmy-t.o  years  V^^^^ '^'"'l^^l 
,-,.  iLlores  good  Christians  to  intercede  for  him,  that  he 
:':;'ie Tor'e  embrace  his  poor  old  father  and  mother,  . 

One  siae  oi  t       &  marble,  presented  by 

with  a  sculptured  man^«>n  I'    -  -  ^  ^  J^  ^^_^^^^^^^^ 
Lafayette ;  the   other  wa^  cov  ^^  ^^^^^.^  ^^^^^ 

books,  while  from  the  third,  its  g 
aside,  was  suspended  a  portrait  of  the  then  family,    y 
•  Cut  out  from  a  common  China  pitcher. 


MOUNT  VERNON 


17 


:he  Dutch, 
^  which  is 
;on.  Curi- 
ae mantels, 
stately  dis- 
beaufets  in 

5  we  passed 
key  of  iron 
3astile,  that 
oppression, 
)f  their  day 
:ourtier,  the 
:e,  letters  de 
dent  and  the 
congerie  of 
and  spiders, 
I  of  the  poor 
lofty  towers, 
on  the  cause- 

er  in  the  Bas- 
r  him,  that  he 
and  mother,  if 

s  ornamented 
presented  by 
ses  containing 
curtain  drawn 
mily.  by  Chap- 
ler. 


man.     The  figures  of  the  portrait,  as  large  as  life,  presented 
a  lady  of  middle  age,  clad  in  mourning,  surrounded  by  a 
group  of  children  advancing  into  youth.     It  was  well  exe- 
cuted, and  in  the  dignified  and  saddened  serenity,  in  the 
simple  and  natural  grouping,  and  the  pure  and  unaffected 
expression  of  the  countenances,  an  American  in  any  part  of 
the  world  would  have  at  once  recognized  a  family  group  of 
the  more  intellectual  and  refined  of  his  own  country.     As 
we  walked  through  the  various  rooms,  from  which  the  fam- 
ily had  withdrawn,  we  were  so  overcome  with  the  illusion — 
the  work-basket  with  its  scissors  and  thread,  the  half-opened 
book  lying  upon  the  table,  the  large  Bible  prominently,  not 
ostentatiously,  in  its  place,  the  portraits  on  the  walls,  the 
busts  on  their  pedestals,  all  causing  such  a  vivid  impression 
of  present  life  and  being — that  we  almost  expected  to  see 
the  towering  form  of  the  General  entering  the  doorway, 
or  passing  over  the  green  lawn  spread  between  us  and  that 
Potomac  which  he  had  so  often  viewed  from  the  same  win- 
dows.     We  were  at  first  disappointed  at  not  seeing  in  some 
conspicuous  place  his  sword,  but  our  disappointment  van- 
ished as  we  were  referred  to  and  read  this  clause  in  his 
last  testament : 

*•'  To  each  of  my  four  nephews  I  bequeath  one  of  the 
swords  of  which  I  may  die  possessed.  These  swords  are 
accompanied  with  the  injunction  not  to  unsheath  them  for 
the  purpose  of  shedding  blood,  except  it  be  for  self-defence, 
or  in  defence  of  their  country  and  its  rights ;  and,  in  the 
latter  case,  to  keep  them  unsheathed,  and  prefer  falling  with 
them  in  their  hands  to  the  relinquishment  thereof." 

Passing  through  the  great  hall,  ornamented  with  pictures 
of  English  hunting  scenes,  we  ascended   the   oaken   stair- 


iti 


'  i 


mww 


MOUNT  VERNON 
I^  u  i.tctride-  we  stood  at 

case,wHh  Hs  carved  and  ^^^^^^^ ^  the  bed 

the  door-we  P-^^^^J^J^^'nothing  in  the  lofty  dran>a 
where  he  died  were  before  us^  ^^  ^^^^  ^„^,  3,,„e. 

of  his  existence  surpassed^>-g       exposure,  in  overseemg 
The  cold  which  he  had  taken  ^^^.^^^^^^^  ^^^j,„  do- 

some  part  of  h>s  g™"';  ;f  ;  ,,a,  advanced  in  the  course 
„esticren,ed>es  *''' J!';^  ,'P^,a„i  form  of  the  d.sease  of 
of  two  short  days  mto  that  lr>g  ^^^^^^^^  ,^^  ,.„  ^o  take 
the  throat,  laryng.t.s     Itbeca  ^_^.^_^^^^  .„^^^„ay 

to  his  bed.    His  ^.^'"f  '7"  best  medical  skill  of  the  sur. 
summoned,  and,  ass,stedb^thebe^    ^^^^^  ^^  ^.^  ^^^  , 

rounding  country,  -^aus  ed  al  ^^.^^^^^   ^^,„„      d, 

without    affording    h,m    reUe  •  ^^^^^.^^  ^^^^^.^d  •, 

thoughingreatd>stress  tothe  V  ^^^^^.^^  ^p„„ 

but  i?  became  evident,  from  the  deep  g^^^^^^^^^  ^^^^  ^^^ 

the  countenances  of  the  -ed'^^^l     the  disease  had  fast- 
was  hopeless ;  advancmg  '- J^/^  ^ooUing  with  perfect 
led  itself  with  'i-'ily  «;': X  ,.ound  him,  he   said: 
calmness  upon  the  sobb-g  g -up  ^  ^^  .^.^^^^^  ^^^^ 
..  Grieve  not,  my  friends       t  ^^  ^^^^  ^^^^^  ^^  ^^  p„d. 

fi„t ,  the  debt  which  we  all  °  ^rs.  Washington 

I  ,„  resigned  to  the  event.      -^'^       I,,,  directed  one  to 
to  bring  him  two  -^^^l^^L,  hands,  as  his  last  testa- 
be  burnt,  and  placed  the  «;^-  ^  ^^^„,,ions  to  Mr.  Lear,  h.s 
„ent,  and  then  gave  ^°""=  f  ;';';^djustment  of  his  business 
secretary  and  relat.ve,  as  to  the  a  ,         ^.^^^^^^^^^  ^^,  ^,, 

affairs.    He  soon  ^'^-J'^^Jl  more  frequent  and  violent, 
i„  the  paroxysms  wh.ch  b  cam      ^^^,^^^^  ^.^  ^^  ^„^„_  ,e, 

Mr.  Lear,  who  was  by  ^  ^^  j^^^d,  "  I  fear  1  g>ve  you 

with  kindness,  but  ^^^^^^^^^  ,,  ,  duty  that  we  all  owe, 
great  trouble,  sir  ;-but  pe      v 


MOUNT  VERNON 


19 


one  to  another.     I  trust— that  you    may  receive  the  same 
attention — when  you  shall  require  it." 

As  the  night  waned,  the  fatal  symptoms  became  more  im- 
minent, his  breath  more  labored  and  suffocating,  and  his 
voice  soon  after  failed  him.  Perceiving  his  end  approach- 
ing, he  straightened  himself  to  his  full  length,  folded  his 
own  hands  in  the  necessary  attitude  upon  his  chest,  placing 
his  finger  upon  the  pulse  of  the  left  wrist,  and  thus  calmly 
prepared,  and  watching  his  own  dissolution,  awaited  the 
summons  of  his  Maker.  The  last  faint  hopes  of  his  friends 
had  disappeared.  Mrs.  Washington,  stupefied  with  grief, 
sat  at  the  foot  of  the  bed,  her  eyes  fixed  steadfastly  upon 
him  ;  Dr.  Craik,  in  deep  gloom,  stood  with  his  face  buried 
in  his  hands  at  the  fire  ;  his  faithful  black  servant,  Christo- 
pher, the  tears,  uncontrolled,  trickling  down  his  face,  on 
one  side,  took  the  last  look  of  his  dying  master  ;  while  Mr. 
Lear,  in  speechless  grief,  with  folded  hands,  bent  over  his 
pillow  on  the  other. 

Nought  broke  the  stillness  of  his  last  moments  but  the 
suppressed  sobs  of  the  affectionate  servants  collected  on  the 
stair-case,  the  tick  of  the  large  clock  in  the  hall,  as  it  meas- 
ured off,  with  painful  distinctness,  the  last  fleeting  moments 
of  his  existence,  and  the  low  moan  of  the  winter  wind,  as  it 
[swept  through  the  leafless,  snow-covered  trees.     The  labor- 
ling  and  wearied  spirit  drew  nearer  and  nearer  to  its  goal ; 
[the    blood    languidly  coursed    slower    and    more   slowly 
through  its  channels — the  noble  heart  stopped — struggled — 
^stopped — fluttered — the  right  hand  slowly  slid  from  the  wrist 
upon  which  its  finger  had  been  placed — it  fell  at  the  side — 
and  the  manly  effigy  of  Washington  was  all  that  remained, 
extended  upon  the  death-couch. 


MOUNT  VERNON 
'°  .,  those  who  leave  a  Sick  room;  a  sup- 

We  left  that  room  as  those  ^  ^  ^^^^  ^,  ,„,t,„c. 

pressed  whisper  alone  escap  d  us,  ^^^  ^^^^^  ^^ 

Le  silence  and  awe,  »« J*  ^;^f,;,,,„ded  the  antique  sta>r- 
its  place  behind  us.     W«  »f  " J^  j„  „o„t  d  the  mans.on 
case  and  emerged  "P°"  ^/J^    ,",  „(  „ees,  we  approached 
Passing  through  several  copP--         ^^  ^^^  ^p,„  ,„h  ot  a 
the  sepulchre  where  res'h.srer^.  ^^^^^^^^  ^y 

vault  composed  of  br.clcje  "    <1  ^^^^^^^^^.  ^^  ^^, 

^ates  of  open  iron-work, «  ere  tv  S  ^.^^^  ^^^^  ^^^^ 

marble,  in  one  of  «'>'=';,;"j:i'th    remains  o,  him  "who 
„f  the  republic,  were  depos.  ed  t  ^^  ^^^  ^^^_^^^  ^^ 

-  «"•'  ^"  -^^'11:^.::' mto  the  b^ck  wa,,  o    the 
:rorbtang'i:black  letters  simply  tH.smscnpt.on. 

•'The  remains  of 
Gen'l  George  Washington." 

.  1  ^f  the  man  whose  jus- 
There  rested  all  that  «-  m-ta  °'  ,^^^  ^^^^,,^3  i„  his- 
tice,  virtue  and  patr,ot>sm  meet  ^.^  ^^^  ,,„th-stone 

,,,y.    There,  w.thm  the  smok  ^^^_^^^  ^^^^^ 

„oulderedtherema,nsof  that  0       ^^^^^^^^_  .^  ^^^ 
whether  in  the  bat  le  or  m  *e  ^  ^^  ^^^  ^^.^^  ^^,^^^^„,  „, 
dissensions  of  pub  "=  g  otless  purity. 

•  social  life,  shone  «f  ;'7,.;7Xer,  between  the  trees,  m 
The  Potomac  gl.ttered  l.ke    U      ,  ^^  ^.^^  ^^^^^^   ^^,,^1^ 

the  noonday  sun,  at  o-^J-^^^  ^,,  ,v.irp  of  the  wren, 

„oved  the  leaves  upon  the  "^^J  ;        ^^,,  of  the  thrush, 
rhedrowsyhumofthelocust>equ  ^^^^^^^_^^^^ 

-  ^-  "CrbureCcoTbagT  lay  still,  motionless,  far, 
of  life  ;  and  those  nug 
far  trom  voiceless. 


MOUNT  VERNON 


21 


om ;  a  sup- 
o{  instinc- 
d  firmly  to 
itique  stair- 
le  mansion, 
approached 
en  arch  ot  a 
,rotected  by 
lagi  of  white 
nth  the  arms 
){  him  "  who 
hearts  of  his 
;k  wall  of  the 
iscription : 


lan  whose  jus- 
,arallels  in  his- 
■n  hearth-stone, 
m,  whose  spirit, 
I,  in   the   fierce 
liet  relations  of 

rity. 

reen  the  trees,  in 
Id  breeze   gently 
;hirp  of  the  wren, 
ote  of  the  thrush, 
that  showed  signs 
lU,  motionless,  far, 


We  were  struck  with  the  truthfulness  of  the  "Sweet 
Swan  of  Avon,"  as  we  saw  above  the  sarcophagi  (free  pas- 
sage to  which  was  open  over  the  large  iron  gates)  the  clay- 
ey nest  of  .he  martin,  or  common  house-swallow,  built  in 
the  corner  of  the  ceiling,  where,  in  perfect  security  and 
confidence,  she  fed  her  chirping  brood,  directly  over  the 
head  of  the  departed  hero.  Pure,  indeed,  was  the  air; 
"  nimbly  and  sweetly  "  did  it  play  upon  our  senses.  Oh  ! 
bard  of  England,  as,  standing  upon  that  hallowed  spot,  the 
spirit  of  the  unfortunate  Banquo  whispered  again  to  our 
memories  his  words  to  the  murdered  Duncan  : 

"  This  guest  of  summer, 


The  temple-haunting  martlet,  does  approve, 
By  his  lov'd  mansionry,  that  the  heavens'  breath, 
Smells  wooingly  here  :  no  jutty,  frieze,  buttress, 
Nor  coigne  of  vantage,  but  this  bird  hath  made 
His  pendent  bed,  and  procreant  cradle  :  Where  they 
Most  breed  and  haunt,  I  have  observed,  the  air      • 
Is  delicate." 

We  lingered  at  the  tomb,  and  with  reluctance  withdrew, 
as  the  advancing  day  warned  us  of  our  homeward-returning 

ride. 

The  setting  sun,  streaming  in  radiance  through  the  trees, 
measured  in  long  shadows  the  persons  of  the  two  men  dis- 
mounting at  the  cottage  door,  from  whence  they  had  de- 
parted  so  buoyant  and  joyous  in  its  mo'-ning  brightness. 
That  setting  sun,  sinking  beneath  its  gorgeous  bed  of  crim- 
son, gold  and  purple,  left  those  men  more  chastened,  true, 
more  elevated,  from  their  pilgrimage  to  the  shrine  of  him 
I  whose  name  is  the  watchword  of  human  Liberty. 


% 


THE  MEDICAL  STUDENT. 


>!ll 


Hil 


ill! 


i 


T  REMAINED  several  weeks  on  my  friend  Tom's  plan- 

I        "•  •     -^o-    thP    rmirse  of   life  that  he  pursued, 

X     tation,  enjoy mg    the    course  ui    m^  t 

which  was  entirely  consonant  to  my  tastes.  His  plan- 
tation  consisted  of  about  three  hundred  acres  prmcipally 
laid  down  in  wheat,  Indian  corn  and  tobacco  though  some 
of  it  still  remained  in  meadow  and  woodland.  This,  with 
a  handsome  productive  property  in  the  neighboring  towns 
of  Alexandria  and  Washington,  afforded  him  an  abundant 
income  to  indulge  his  liberal,  though  not  extravagant,  tastes. 
He  usually  arose  at  five  in  the  morning,  mou  -  Ws  horse, 
and  rode  over  the  plantation,  overseeing  and  gi  -ruc- 

tions to  the  laborers ;  and  returning,  was  met  by  r.  'ng 

wife   and  beautiful  children    at  the  breakfast-table  ,    alter 
which,  he  again  applied  himself  to   business  until  eleven, 
when  he  threw  all  care  aside  and  devoted  himself  to  pleas- 
ure  or  study  for  the  remainder  of  the  day.     He  thus  avoid- 
ed the  two  extremes  to  which  country  gentlemen  are  liable, 
over-work  on  the  one  hand,  or  ennui  on  the  other.     His 
library,  the  windows  commanding  a  view  of  twenty  miles 
down  the  Potomac,  was  crowded  with  a  varied  store  of  gen- 
eral  literature,  among  which  I  observed,  shining  conspicu- 
ously,  the  emblazoned  backs  of  Shakspeare  and  the  worthy 
old  Knight  of  La  Mancha.     History,  Travels,  the  Classics, 
English,  French,  Spanish  and  Italian,  and  works  on  Natural 
History  and  general  science,  were  marshaled  on  their  re- 


THE  MEDICAL  STUDENT 


23 


Pom's  plan- 
e  pursued, 
His  plan- 
principally 
lOugh  some 

This,  with 
iring  towns 
n  abundant 
Sfanl,  tastes. 

•  Viis  horse, 
-Lruc- 
•  >.  '-ng 

tabic  ,  after 
mtil  eleven, 
lelf  to  pleas- 
;  thus  avoid- 
en  are  liable, 

other.  His 
Aventy  miles 
store  of  gen- 
ng  conspicu- 
d  the  worthy 
the  Classics, 
:s  on  Natural 

on  their  re- 


spective shelves.     There  was  also  a  small  but  very  select 
medical  library,  for  my  friend  had  taken  his  degree  in  that 
profession,  and,  although  relieved   from   the   necessity   of 
practising  for  support,  he  was  in  the  habit  of  attending  gra- 
tuitously  on  the  poor  in  the  neighboring  country.     Marble 
busts  of  Shakspeare,  Milton  and  Columbus,  stood  on  pedes- 
tals in  the  corners  of  the  room,  and  fine  old  portraits  of 
Cervantes,  Lope  de  Vega,  Dante  and  Ben  Jonson,  besides 
an  exquisite  gem  of  Ruysdaels,  hanging  over  the  fire-place, 
adorned  the  walls.     On  one  side  of  the  room,  fronting  the 
entrance,  an  efifigy  in  complete  polished  armor  of  the  fif- 
teenth century  stood  erect  and  grim,  the  m.ailed  gauntlet 
grasping   the  upright  spear,  while  on  a  withered    branch 
above  it  was  perched,  with  extended  wings,  a  superb  Amer- 
ican tagle  in  full  preservation,  his  keen  eye  appearing  to 
flash  upon  the  intruders  at  the  entrance.     In  the  centre,  on 
the  soft  thick  carpet,  which  returned  no  sound  of  footsteps, 
was  a  circular  table  surmounted  with  an  Argand  lamp  and 
writing  apparatus,  on  one  side  of  which  was  one  of  those  ex- 
quisitely comfortable  lounging  chairs  that  admit  of  almost 
every  position  of  ease,  and  on  the  other  a  crimson  fauteuil 
stuffed  with  down,  which  Tom  laughingly  said  was  for  the 
peculiar  benefit  of  his  wife  when  she  saw  fit  to  honor  his 
sanctum  sanctorum  with  her  presence.     He  tasked   his  in- 
vention to  the  utmost  to  make  my  time  agreeable.     Horses, 
dogs,  guns,  books,  everything,  were  at  my  disposal.  Among 
other  excursions,  he  proposed,  a  few  days  after  my  arrival, 
that  we  should  take  a  run  down  the   Potomac  in  his  boat. 
Now  this  boat  was  none  other  than  a  beautiful  clipper-built 
schooner-rigged  yacht,  of  about  seven   tons  burden,  with 
a  very  ample  cabin  in  her  centre,  and  from  the  gilt  eagle  on 


IP 


!l 


THE  MEDICAL  STUDENT 

A  tl.p  riudv  pennant  streaming  at  her  mast- 
her  stern,  and  the  gauay  p  ^^.^_ 

T  c^  ^vnrpssino-  myself  when  I  hrst  saw  ner, 
laid  eyes  on.  In  so  ^P";;'  :„d  very  gracious  nod  from 
T  received   an  approbatory  ana  vciy    s 

Old  Kennedy"  a  regular  old  salt,  with  one  arm,  for  whom 
Old  Kenneay,  5  ^^  ^^^^ 

Tom  had  built  a  cottage  on  his  estate,  ana  ro 
beauty  personified,  a  beauty  which  he  could  the  more  read- 
ily  appreciate  from  the  fact  that  the  far  greater  part  of  h. 
tfm    was  devoted  to  her  decoration.    "  Many  a  t.me     says 
Tom,  "  have  i  found  him  lying  by  himself  on  the  banks 
looking  at  her  in  admiration  with  half-open  eyes;   and  I 
much  doubt  whether  my  Mary  looks  more  b-ut.fu    to  me 
than  does  her  namesake,  as  she  floats  yonder,  to  old  Ken- 

"''But  to  come  to  our  story.     We  appointed  the  following 
day  for  our  excursion,  and  having    first   ascertamed  that 
Walter  Smith,  an  old  friend,  whose  plantation  was  a  couple 
of  miles  below,  would  join  us,  we  early  the  next  mormng 
got  up  our  anchor,  and  under  the  influence  of  a  smackmg 
breeze  were  soon  cutting    our    way    down  the  r.ver   the 
white  canvas  stretching  clean  and  taught  out  to  the  stays 
our  long  pennant  streaming  proudly  behind  us,  and  our  lit- 
tle jack  shaking  most  saucily  from  its  sle.der  staff  at  the 
bowsprit,  as    we    merrily    curveted  and  jumped  over  the 
waves.     Running  down  to  a  point  on  Smith  s  plantation, 
we  got  him  on  board,  and  were  soon  under  way  again,   he 
water  bubbling  and  gurgling  into  our  scuppers  as  we  lay 
down  to  it  in  the  stiff  breeze.    Occasionally  she  would  sweep 
gunwale  under  when  a  flaw  would  strike  her,  but  old  Ken- 

j        •  1 ,  n— ,1-  ...'-iil'i  b>-inf  her  lip  with  a  long  curving 
nedy,  wide  awuKc,  wwui^  .j.  .uj,  ..-.  -1 


THE  MEDICAL  STUDENT 


25 


her  mast- 
f  her  mim- 
that  1  ever 
st  saw  her, 
nod  from 
,  for  whom 
)m  she  was 
more  read- 
part  of  his 
time,"  says 
the  banks, 
yes;    and  I 
itiful  to  me 
to  old  Ken- 

le  following 
rtained  that 
vas  a  couple 
gxt  morning 
a  smacking 
le  river,  the 
to  the  stays, 
,  and  our  lit- 
r  staff  at  the 
)ed  over  the 
's  plantation, 
ay  again,  the 
srs  as  we  lay 
!  would  sweep 
,  but  old  Ken- 
long  curving 


sweep  as  gracefully  as  a  young  lady  sliding  out  of  the  waltz 
in  a  crowded  ball-room,  till,  stretching  out  again,  she  would 
course  along,  dancing  over  the  mimic  waves  with  a  coquetry 
equal  to  those  same  fair  damsels  when  they  find  an  unfor- 
tunate wight  secure  in  their  chains.     We  were  all  in  fine 
spirits,  Tom's  negro  boy,  seated  at  the  heel  of  the  foremast, 
showing  his  white  teeth  in  a  delighted  grin  as  old  Kennedy, 
with  his  grave  face,  played  off  nautical  wit  at  his  peculiar 
expense.     We  saw  a  number  of  ducks,  but  they  were  so  shy 
that  we  could  with  difficulty  get  a  shot  at  them,  but  we  now 
and  then  succeeded  in  picking  half  a  dozen  snipe  out  of  a 
flock  as  it  rose  from  the  shore  and  flew  across  our  bows. 
We  continued  running  down  the  river  in  this  way  for  three 
or  four  hours,  passing  now  and  then  a  fisherman  or  other 
craft  slowly  beating  up,  but  towards  noon  the  breeze  slack- 
ened ;    we  gradually  lost  our  way,  merely  undulating,  as 
the  wind  fanned  by  us  in  light  airs,  till  finally  it  entirely 
subsided,  our  long  pennant  hanging  supinely  on  the  shrouds, 
and  the  water  slopping  pettishly  against  our  bows,  as  we 
rested  tranquilly  upon  its  surface.      The  after  part  of  the 
yacht  was  covered  with  an  awning  which,  although  suffi- 
ciently high  to  prevent  its    obstructing    the    view  of  the 
helmsman,  afforded  us  a  cover  from  the  rays  of  the  sun,  so 
that  we  lay  contentedly  reclining  upon  the  cushions  smoking 
our  cigars,  enjoying  our  refreshments  and  reviving  old  rec- 
ollections and  associations ;  for  it  must  be  confessed  that  we 
...^     three,  in  our  student  days,  had  "  rung  the  chimes  at  mid- 
I    night."     I  had  not  seen  Smith  for  several  years.     He  was  a 
descendant  of    the  celebrated  partisan    officer    who    com- 
manded a  dashing  corps  in  the  Revoluti-on,  and  inherited,  in 
a  marked  degree,  all  the  lofty  courtesy  and  real  chivalry 


IfTr 


'!!jl' 


THE  MEDICAL  STUDENT 

■     1  ,K-,t  officer      He  was  exceedingly  well 
that  characterized  that  "fh'=<"^-  .      ^  i,„ieed,  so 

read  in  the  military  ^'^^'^y  ^'"^  ^^^^U  should  the  sig- 
thoroughly  imbue    w,thn.taorU,        ,^^^  ^^  ^^  ^^^^ 

nalof  war  ri"^  '^^"Sh -the  — ^  ,  t  „„d  loot  in 

rr;  ^^  M     irLr  t  his    acquaintance    was 
the   Stirrup.      ^}  ij^^rly  painful  and  exciting  in 

L       reUoosVlrom  the  care  of  my  guardians  at  a  very  early 
been  let  loose  irom  ,^  traveling  n.  a 

age,  •  ""-^^ '*-^ /      ;:    :  /:,er  Europe,  determined  to 

A  p  trhea  the  rLantic  legends  of  Germany  in  her  own 
d  'torests-,  to  study  the  painters  and  sculpt-s  of  to  y 
,  •  ^;i.  to  S1V  nothing  of  visions  of  dark-c>ea 
"■■rrse"  'i'p  ^d  faiHes  floating  through  the 
girls  of  Seville,       sy  p  i^^j  ^t  adventures  in  the 

:~  f^CcI  wSat  Lonl.,  Ifell  in  with  and 
Tdly  availed  myself  of  the  opportunity  to  take  apartments 
fn  the  same  house  with  my  friend  Tom  and  h.s  fellow-stu- 
de  smith,  both  Americans,  and  both  completn,g  a  course 
of  medicaleducation  by  attending  the  lectures  of  the  cele- 

'1:?h:ppe:er;hat  on  the  very  first  evening  that  we 
came  together,  in  conversation  upon  the  peculiar  features 
oHhdr  profession,  I  expressed  a  desire  to  visit  a  dissecfng- 
i„g.room,  never  having  been  in  one  in  my  own  country 
Smith  immediately  invited  me  to  accompany  them  to  the 
lecture  on  that  evening,  which  was  to  be  delivered  .n  the 
rotunda  of  the  college,  and  where,  by  going  at  an  early  hour, 
rav  curiosity  could  be  satisfied,  besides  the  opportunity 


at 


^- 


-J 


lingly  well 
,  indeed, so 
luld  the  sig- 

of  no  man 
and  foot  in 
ntance    was 
i  exciting  in 
;it.    Having 
a  very  early 
iveling  in  a 
jtermined  to 
to  climb  the 
y  in  her  own 
tors  of  Italy 
of  dark-eyed 

through  the 
;ntures  in  the 
11  in  with  and 
:e  apartments 
lis  fellow-stu- 
ting  a  course 
-s  of  the  cele- 

ening  that  we 
juliar  features 
itadissecting- 
own  country. 
T  them  to  the 
livered  in  the 
t  an  early  hour, 
jportunity  that 


T//E  MEDICAL  STUDENT 


27 


I  should  have  of  hearing  that  eminent  surgeon.     So,  putting 
on  our  hats  and  taking   our  umbrellas  in  our  hands,    we 
plunged  into  the  dense  fog  and  groped  our  way  over  the 
greasy  pavements  to  the  college.     It  was  a  large  building 
in  a  dark  and  retired  court,  with  something  in  its  very  ex- 
terior  sepulchral  and  gloomy.     Entering  the  hall  door,  we 
ascended  one  pair  of  stairs,  stopping  for  a  moment  as  we 
passed  the  second  story  to  look  into  the  large  rotunda  of 
the  lecture-room.     The  vacant  chair  of  the  professor    was 
standing  near  the  wall,  in  the  rear  of  a  circular  table  of  such 
peculiar  construction  as  to  admit  of  elevation  and  depres- 
sion in  every  part.     This  table  was  the  one  upon  which  the 
subjects  were  laid   when  under  the  hands  of    the  demon- 
strator.    Two  skeletons,  suspended  by  wires  from  the  ceil- 
ing, hung  directly  over  it.     The  room  was  as  yet  unoccu- 
pied and    silent.      Ascending    another   flight  of  stairs,   we 
came  to  a  third,  secured  at  its  entrance  by  a  strong  oaken 
door.     This  appeared  to  put  a  stop  to  our  further  ascent, 
but,  upon  a  small  bell  being  pulled,  a  sort  of  wicket  in  the 
upper  part  of  the  door  was  cautiously  drawn  aside,  discov- 
ering the  features  of  a  stern,  solemn-looking  man,  who,  ap- 
parently  satisfied  of  the  right  of  the  parties  to  enter,  drew 
one  or  two  heavy  bolts,  and  dropping  a  chain,  admitted  us. 
A  small  table  was  placed  at  the  foot  of  the  stairs,  at  which, 
by  the  light  of  a  lamp,  this  gloomy  porter  was  perusing  a 
book  of  devotion.     Ascending  the  stairs,  it  was  not   until 
three  several  attempts  that  I  was  enabled  to  surmount  the 
effects  of  the  effluvia  sufficiently  to  enter  the  green  baize 
door  that  opened  into  the  dissecting-room.     As  it  swung 
noiselessly  to  behind  me,  the  first  sensation  produced  by  the 
sight  was  that  of  faintness,  but  it  almost  immediately  sub- 


Hill 


1    !l 


g  THE  MEDICAL  STUDENT 

^■A.A      There  appeared  a  sort  of    profanity    in    speaking 
:;li  and  I  found^self  unconsciously  asking  .uest.ons  of 

corpses  in  different  stag  scalpels  in  examining 

dents  were  silently  engaged  with  their  scaipeis 

aenij  wc  y  wonderful  human 

•'  ,•    •     .  fV.P  rnnrse   of  the  disease  which    had 

n:t~r.":H:frai.  habitation.     I  Observed 

:::   Ihe  professors,  in  his  gold  s.ectades.  poi-t-g  -t- 
a  number  of  the  students,  gathered  around  «- ;'    J^J^^^^ 
jects.  the  evidences  of  an  ossificaUon  of  the  g      '  -■"'j'^ 
which  had,  after  years  of  torture,  necessar.ly  te™'"^'^^ 
he  ife  of  ;he  sufferer.    There  was  alnK,st  as  "-h  .nd  v  d- 
uality  in  those  corpses  as  if  they  had  been  """^  ,  "'"j  "_ 
quired  the  most  determined  effort  on  my  part  to  d.ves   rny 
self  of  the  idea  that  they  were  sentient  and  aware  of  all  tha 
sell  oi  tnc  recollect,  part  cularly,  one 

was  passing  around  them       I  ■•«™";^';  P       .  ^^  ^.^  ^^e 
which  was  lying  nearest  the  door  as  I  entered  ,  it 
body  of  a  man  of  about  forty,  with  l.ght  ha>r  and  fa.r  com- 
petion.  who  had  been  cut  down  in  the  -.  ^t  o  ^^ '^^ 
His  face  was  as  full  and  his  skin  as  wh.te  as  if  he  had  been 
merely    sleeping,   but  the  knife   had    passed   around    h> 
loatdown'his  body,  and  then  in  sections  cross-ys, 
internal  muscles  having  been  evidently  exposed,  and  the 


THE  MEDICAL  STUDENT 


29 


skill  temporarily  replaced  during  the  casual  absence  of  the 
dissector.     There  was   something  peculiarly  horrid  in  the 
appearance  of  that  corpse,  as,  aside  from  a  ruffianly  and  dis- 
solute expression  of  the  features,  the  gash  around  his  throat 
conveyed  the  impression  that  it  was  a  murdered  man  lying 
before  me.     A  middle-aged  female  was  extended  just  be- 
yord,  her  long  hair  hanging  down  over  the  end  of  the  table, 
but  not  as  yet  touched  by  the  hand  of  the  surgeon.     While 
just  beyond  her,  the  body  of  an  old  man,  from  which  the 
upper  part  of  the  skull  had  been  sawn  to  take  out  the  brain, 
appeared  to  be  grinning  at  us  with  a  horrid  sort  of  mirth. 
In  another  part  of  the  room,  directly  over  which  the  black- 
ening body  of  an  infant  was  thrown  across  a  beam  like  a 
piece  of  an  old  carpet,  was  extended  the  body  of  a  gigantic 
negro  ;  he  lay  upon  his  back,  his  legs  somewhat  apart,  one 
of  his  arms  thrown  up  so  as  to  rest  upon  the  top  of  his 
head,  his  eyes  wide  open,  his  nostrils  distended  and  his  teeth 
clenched  in  a  hideous  grin.     There  was  such  evidence  of 
strength,  such  giant  development  of  muscle,  such  appear- 
ance  of  chained  energy  and  ferocity  about  him,  that,  upon 
my  soul,  it  seemed  to  me  every  moment  as  if  he  was  about 
to  spring  up  with  a  frantic  yell  and  throw  himself  upon  us; 
and  wherever  I  went  about  the  room  my  eyes  involuntarily 
turned,  expecting  to  see  that  fierce  negro  drawing  up  his 
legs  ready  to  bound,  like  a  malignant  demon,  over  the  inter- 
vening  space.     He  had  been  brought  home  for  murder  on 
the  high  seas,  but  the  jail-fever  had  anticipated  the  hand  of 
the  executioner,  and  his  body  of  course  was  given  over  to 
the  surgeons.     A  far  different  object  lay  on  the  floor  near 
him.     It  was  the  body  of  a  young  girl  of  about  eleven  or 
twelve  years  old.    The  poor  little  creature  had  evidently 


iiii 


i;    :1  ; 


THE  MEDICAL  STUDENT 

flexor  muscles  'n-'^;  '-;'„,, ,  ,;,„„ed  by  the  foot, 
rocked  forward  and  backward  reproachfully 

rt,e  sunken  blue  eyes  s-n".-™  ;'"">-  ,,  ,^^,  ,,  „,J, 

„po„  us  frou,  the  -^^^^^  \  ,  Bengal  tiger, 
savage  contrast,  was  th™    "  U«  _^^  _^^__         ,^^ 

which  had  died  a  day  or  two  before  y 

his  talons  extending  an  inch  "eyond  h^  P^w^  -d  ^ 

.bout  his  huge  distended  ,aws  a,^s,ckl>  eyes       P      ^^^^ 

portraiture  of  disease  and  Pa.„nd  a     n^^  ^^^^^  ^^^^ 

been  my  lot  to  witness  m  s"«^""-  J  ^  ^^^  <,f 

ing  the  dead  around  them.     I  thought        t 

M  he  well  if  some  of  those  who  sneer  at  the  profession 
would  be  well  ii  som  ^^^^^^^^  ^^ 

could  look  in  upon  one  of   ^^^^^^  ^^^  ^,,,,3  ,,  .Ueviate 

which  its  followers  are  subjected  m  their  enori 

fhp  sufferings  of  their  fellow-men. 

Is  th    hour  for  the  lecture  approached,  the  students,  one 

bv  one  dosed  their  books,  washed  their  hands,  and  descend- 
ed  to   h    lecture-room.    We  descended  with  the  rest,  and  a 
we  passed  the  grim  porter,  at  thebottomof  the  ~    '  I 
observed  in  the  corner  behind  him  a  number  of  stout  bludg 
eons  bsidesseveral  cntlassesand  muskets.     A  popular  com- 
motion  a  short  time  previous,  among  some  of  the  well-.nten- 
"o     d  but  ignorant  of  the  lower  classes,  had   u.duced  the 
:e:eityof:autio„.andthispreparationforres,stance      En 

tering  the  lecture-room,  we  took  our  places  on  the  th.rd  or 
fourth  row  of  seats  from  the  demonstrator's  tab  e,  upon 
:h   h  a  subject  was  lying,  covered  with  a  wh.te  sheet,  and 


THE  MEDICAL  STUDENT 


31 


:tion  of  the 
I  in  death, 
y  the  foot, 
proachfully 
ler,  in  most 
engal  tiger, 

menagerie, 
d  there  was 
as  perfect  a 

it  has  ever 

There  was 
try,  a  sort  of 
ley  spoke,  it 
5  of  disturb- 

time  that  it 
le  profession 
r  ordeals  to 
s  to  alleviate 

students,  one 
and  descend- 
lie  rest,  and  as 
e  stair-case,  I 
:  stout  bludg- 
popular  corn- 
he  well-inten- 
induced  the 
sistance.     En- 
1  the  third  or 
s  table,   upon 
lite  sheet,  and 


had  time,  as  the   room  gradually   filled,  to  look  about  us. 
Besides  the  students,  Smith  pointed  out  to  me  several  able 
professional  gentlemen,  advanced  in  Ufe,  who  were  attracted 
by  the  celebrity  of  the  lecturer.     Shortly  after  we  had  taken 
our  seats,  a  slender,  melancholy-looking  young  man,  dressed 
in  deep  mourning,  entered  the  circle  in  which  we  were  seat- 
ed, and  took  his  place  on  the  vacant  bench  at  my  side.     He 
bowed  reservedly  to  my  companions  as  he  passed  them,  but 
immediately  on  sitting  down  became  absorbed  in  deep  sad- 
ness.    My  friends  returned   his  salute,  but  did  not  appear 
inclined  to  break  into  his  abstraction.     At  the  precise  mo- 
ment that  the  lecture  was   announced  to  be  delivered,  the 
tall  form  of  the  eminent  surgeon  was  seen  descending  the 
alley  of  crowded  seats  to  his  chair.    The  lights  in  the  various 
parts  of  the  room  were  raised  suddenly,  throwing  a  glare  on 
all  around  ;  and  one  of  the  skeletons,  to  which  an  accidental 
jar  had  been  given,  vibrated  slowly  forward  and  backward, 
while  the  other  hung  perfectly  motionless  from  its  cord.     In 
his  short  and  sententious  manner,  he  opened  the  subject  of 
the   lecture,  which  was  the  cause,  effect,  and  treatment  of 
that  scourge  of  our  country,   consumption.     His   remarks 
were    singularly    lucid    and    clear,  even  to  me,  a  layman. 
After  having  gone  rapidly  through  the  pathology  of  the  dis- 
ease, consuming  perhaps  some  twenty  minutes  of  time,  he 
;  said :    "  We  will  now,  gentlemen,  proceed  to  demonstration 
[upon  the  subject  itself."     I  shall  not  readily  forget  the  scene 
[that  followed.    As  he  slowly  turned  up  the  wristbands  of 
[his  shirt  sleeves,  and  bent  over  to  select  an  instrument  from 
the  case  at  his  side,  he  motioned  to  an  assistant  to  withdraw 
the  sheet  that  covered  the  corpse.     Resuming  his  erect  po- 
^ition,  the  long  knife  glittering  in  his  hand,  the  sheet  was 


i  I 


THE  MEDICAL  STUDENT 

neath  the  plain  white  musUn  cap     1  ^^^  ^^^^_ 

-ests  even  the  ™c.t  r—  "  ^^e^p.s  ^^^^^^  ^^ 

n,on,entanly  checked  the  buy  .^  .^ethroat-at 

when  I  heard  a  gasp-a  choking  ^^  ^,^^.       ^^^^ 

•j^.  onrl  the  next  instant,  tne  yu"'  5  ,1 

n,y  side,  ^d'he-^        ^j,,,,  Ws  arms  wildly  upwards  and 

to  me  rose  to  h-  '«;'•'  ^,,,  ,,„3ed  every  man's  heart 

shrieking  m  a  tone  of  agony  .j^    ,;^<,.^/^<•-r  /  "- 

in  that  assembly  "--'Y.^;;,]'  L„,ost  upon  those  in 
rrf  hC"  AU  ^init  —nation  and  conlusion. 
rreirone^esent  who  knew  ^^^^^0, 

ot  the  students  *>-- ^  "jfj^;:: S^rishes  of  Lon'- 
f  riends.    He  was    rem  one  of  the    d.      g^p^    ^^^^^^^^^ 

don,  and  two  weeks  bej-  ''"'^J-         _^„^^  ,,,,  „„ther  lay 
was  much  attached  and  by  fatal  ,^      He 

^'''^"'^^twratdrettL^and  insensible,  and 
was  immediately  raised,  du  ;«^  •     ^  animation  was  at 

carried  into  an  ^^'i^'^^  ™:::;i*    ^  ^e  stared  vacant- 
.engthrestoredtoenableh.-  ost        .  ^  ^  ^^^^  ^^ 

,y  about  h.m    h    g-at  Jef  ^^  _^^_^^_^^      ^^^  ^^^ 

^"'^'t'lru-cC  and  the  lifeless  corpse  again  en- 
ture  was  of  course  cio  ^^^^ 

trusted  to  hands  to  replace  >t  m  ,ts  tomb     Th    y    J       ^^ 

on  the  following  day  was  ^^^^^-^^-^J^^,,  ^nd  fell 

have  ™--':,.P;"^tto,;a:ing  fever,  accompanied  with 
almost  immediately    nto  a  raging  ,  ^_^^ 

fierce  and  violent  delirium  ;  his  lever  grauua  y 

herce  anu  v  London  for  the 

his  deUrium  at  intervals ;  but  when  i 


THE  MEDICAL  STUDENT 


33 


continent,  three  months  after,  he  was  rapidly  sinking  under 
the  disease  which  carried  off  his  mother— happily  in  a  state 
of  helpless  and  senseless  idiocy ;  and  in  a  very  short  time 
after,  death  relieved  him  from  his  misery.  The  whole 
scene  was  so  thrilling  and  painful,  that,  connecting  it  in  some 
measure  with  my  introduction  to  Smith,  his  presence  always 
recalled  it  to  my  memory. 


THE  RESURRECTIONISTS. 


ijil: 


!;:ll 


i^rlmnP-s  our  conversation  natur- 
.    S  we  returned  to  0''rU>6s^s^o  ^^^^  ^^^  ^^^  .^^^ 

A    ally  turned  "P-fXm  "caution  necessary  in  the 
."Tsiet  o    —ical  examination.       Smith 

'"*'%''"rthe1aS  ^the  same  distinguished  gentle- 
received  mto  th^    "-"^  „,,,  then  beginning  to 

man  whom  we  had  just  ^^^"^  ^^^ich  was  neces- 

rise  to  eminence  and  notice  an  ad^^ntage  w  ^^^^  ^^^ 

sarily  confined  to  a  very  few     ^n  o-  o  ^^^^  ^^^ 

,ormy  "'^^^  J^^^rS^.^ofrdTing  relative  in  the 
ing  been  called  to  the  beas  parlor  firr, 

r»».  Hno-er  was  quietly  sitting  ^l  lu'-  f 
country,  as  Dr.  Huger  was  q        y  ^^^^.^^  ^.^^  ^^ 

absorbed  in  his  studies  he  »^^ J°"^^^    \  .^  ^j^.^f .     Up- 
the  street  door,  and  rising,  went  to  answer       ^aU-drowned 

-  opening  ^^Z:^^:i::^;::tX  ...  two  men, 
horses,  presented  itselt  at        s  ,  •      •      ,vith  water, 

Im  wMchwasin'the  garret,  received  the  two  guineas 


THE  RESURRECTIONISTS 


35 


ation  natur- 
we  had  just 
issary  in  the 
on.  Smith 
ctor  Huger, 

I. 

ited  Europe, 
les,  and  was 
ished  gentle- 
beginning  to 
ch  was  neces- 
he  dark  and 
his  wife  hav- 
-lative  in  the 
he  parlor  firr , 
urried  ring  at 
liimself.      Up- 
;  half-drowned 
,  and  two  men, 
ng  with  water, 
le  if  he  wanted 
e,  they  opened 
was  enveloped 
the  dissecting- 
le  two  guineas 


which  they  had  demanded,  and  withdrew.  The  affair  was 
not  unusual,  and  Dr.  Huger,  resuming  his  book,  soon  forgot 
the  transaction.  About  eleven  o'clock,  while  still  absorbed 
in  his  studies,  he  heard  a  violent  shriek  in  the  entry, 
and  the  next  instant  the  servant-maid,  dashing  open  the 
door,  fell  senseless  upon  the  carpet  at  his  feet,  the  candle- 
stick  which  she  had  held  rolling  some  distance  as  it  fell. 

Perceiving  that  the  cause  of  alarm,  whatever  it  might 
be,  was  without,  he  caught  up  the  candlestick,  and,  jumping 
over  her  prostrate  form,  rushed  into  the  hall,  where  an  ob- 
ject met  his  view  which  might  well  have  tried  the  nerves  of 
the  strongest  man.     Standing  half-way  down  the  staircase 
was  a  fierce,  grim-looking  man,  perfectly  naked,  his  eyes 
glaring  wildly  and  fearfully  from  beneath  a  coarse  shock  of 
dark  hair  which,  nearly  concealing  a  narrow  forehead,  par- 
tially  impeded  a  small  stream  of  blood,  trickUng  down  the 
«ide  ')f  the  face  from  a  deep  scratch  in  the  temple.     In  one 
hand  he  grasped  a  sharp  long  belt-knife,  such  as  is  used  by 
riggers  and  sailors,  the  other  holding  on  by  the  bannister, 
as  he  somewhat  bent  over  to  meet  the  gaze  of  the  doctor 
rushing  into  the  entry.    The  truth  flashed  across  the  mind 
of  Doctor  Huger  in  an  instant,  and  with  admirable  presence 
of  mind  he  made  one  spring,  catching  the  man  by  the  wrist 
which  held  the  knife,  in  a  way  that  effectually  prevented  his 
using  it.     "  In  the  name  of  God  !  where  am  I  ?"  demanded 
the  man  in  a  horror-stricken  voice,  "  am  I  to  be  murdered  ?" 
^'Silence;  not  a    whisper,"    sternly  answered  Dr.  Huger, 
looking  him  steadily  in  the  eyes.    "  Silence,  and  your  life  is 
safe."     Wrenching  the  knife,  from  his  hand,  he  pulled  him 
by  the  arm  passively  along  into  the  yard,    and   hurrying 
through  the  gate,  first  ran  with  him  through  one  alley,  then 


I  I    TIiii  n;ii<ll« 


^iii 


!        I 


I       I  ill 


THE  RESURRECTIONISTS 

^  1,  -^iv  fhrouffh  a  third,  till,  coming 

into  another,  and  finally  rap,dlylh™ug     ^^^   ^^^^^^^^^,^^ 

to  an  outlet  -P""  ""^  °  ;'„  „,"  p„,h ;  retracing  his  steps 
streets,  he  gave  '""/'j';,!  pulling  to  and  doubly 
again  on  the  wmgs  of    t^  -        P  ^^  ^.^  ^^^^.^ 

locking  the  gate  behmdhimleavg  ^^^^^^^ 

perlectly  bewildered  -\P;2';7;„3„3umn,arily  ejected. 

of  't-^P'-^'™"™;::  e„ce  o1  mind  of  Dr.  Huger  n.ost 
The  precaufon  ^"^  P'^=""J  °     H„„ter  from  being  torn 

r"m"    n-  m'which  would  have  been  in- 
down  and  sackea  oy  aggrieved  party  known 

i.     4.i,r  .-nllpcted  around  it,  naa  v"c  a^^ 
stantly  -""^^'/^  ^^,^k  his  vengeance, 

where  to  have  led  'h-^m  t  ^  ^^^^,„„y^,„d  cautiously 

After  a  few  days,  mqu.ry  tained  that  three 

„ade  through  t>>e  PM-, -d  '    Jj"  „„^^,„„,,,  .„, 
men,  answering  the  descr  ptio  ^^^^^_ 

*^^^  ^'^^I'of  fhet:  r  ;^  ttet^i-od  of  Wa. 
noon  m  one  ot  the  low   u  intoxication, 

pin,;  thatonehadsunWoa  stu^^^^^^^^^^^  ^_^  ^ 

and  had,  in  that  -t-*'""'  ^^^;,;\J,^„g  been  previously 
3aeU  by  his  -mpamons   ^  ^^        -  ,^  ^^^^^,,  ,^^^  ,^^ 

placed  in  h,s  "-'^'f^^^'^^J.f  sensibility,  and  that,  in  addi- 
confinement  upon  h,    «'"™  '°  .^^  ,,,,i,ed  the  two 

tion  to  the  poor  wretch  s  clothes,  tney 

guineas  for  his  body.  i^ements  of  suffering 

It  is  certainly  P-^-  f;»  f JJJ^,  ,i„„tion  of  the  grave 

•^T^-'Vblt l::    rWhX  the  spirit,  released  from 
,nd,spensably  "pessary  ^^^^^^^_  ^^^  p^^^^, 

its  confinement,  l.es  m  the  Umbo  ^^^^  ^ 

tory  of  the  C''*"""' .rofvTrtu      al 't  me  and  distance 

--'--"^^rtraUtr^onVrained  in  heavenly 
annihiuucu,  11.  ="--!'-  - 


THE  RESURRECTIONISTS 


37 


delight  through  the  myriads  and  myriads  of  worlds  roUing 
in  the  vast  sublimity  of  space ;  whether  summoned  from  a 
course  of  evil,  it  shudders  in  regions  of  darkness  and  deso- 
lation, or  writhes  in  agony  amid  flaming  atmospheres ;  or 
whether  its  germ  of  life  remains  torpid,  as  in  the  wheat 
taken  from  the  Egyptian  pyramids,  thousands  of  years  exis- 
tent,  but  apparently  not  sentient,  must,  of  course,  be  to  us 
but  the  wild  theories  of  imagination,  and  so  remam  m  the 
darkness  with  which,  in  inscrutable  wisdom,  the  Almighty 

has  enveloped  it. 

But  that  the  Spirit  can  look  with  other  than  indifference, 
if  not  loathing,  on  the  perishing  exuviae  of   its   chrysalis 
existence,  which,   to  its  retrospective  gaze,  presents  little 
other  than   a  tasking  house  of  base  necessities,  a  chained 
prison  of  cruel  disappointments,  even  to  our  human  reason, 
clogged  as  it  is  with  bars  and  contradictions,  appears  hardly 
to  admit  the  opportunity  of  question  and  of  consequence.   To 
that  Spirit  its  disposition  can  but  be  a  matter  of  indifference. 
Still,  to  the  surviving  friends,  whose  affection  canaot  sepa- 
rate'mind  from  matter,  those  forms,   lying   in   the   still  and 
silent  tomb,  retain  all  their  dear  associations  ;  and  surely,  it 
most  gravely   becomes  the   members    of    that  profession, 
which,  next  to  the  altar,   stands   foremost  in  benevolence, 
that  the   deepest  prudence   should   be    exercised    in    this 
gloomy  rite  required  by  the  living  from  the  dead. 

But,  upon  reflection,  we  should  hesitate  to  speak  in  terms 
of  disparagement  of  the  human  body ;  for,  of  all  of  the 
physical  works  of  God,  which  we  think  we  can  comprehend, 
it  bears  most  strongly  the  impress  of  design,  in  its  wonder- 
ful,  complex,  and  perfect  adaptation,  of  means  to  ends.  In  it 
we   recognize   machinery  of    exquisite   order,  temporarily 


!  !! 


THE  RESURKECTIOXISTS 

^  .  ^  n^  \\  in  communion  with  the 

furnished  to  the  Spir.t  to  place    t    "  c  .^  ^^^ 

other  material  works  of  God,  so  i^at  by  ^^  ^,.^^^ 

increase  in  ^^;^^:^Jr: ::f^  y-  '"Ue  minds. 

rnl"sr;i"S,  we  reel  to  he  the  e.hanst.ess 

fountain  of  benevolence  and  love^  ^^  ^^.^  ^^^^ 

We  have  lean-d  toj  ;-     ^^^^^^  ^^^,,  ^^^^  j^^,.„^  ,,. 

into  what  we  call  Senses  ^„„tinuous  reconstruction ; 

.ended  for  its  P-^-:.-;,  :  J    rnTth-.h  which,  by 

and  two,  more  noble,  s.ghta  ^  the  Deity. 

contemplation  of  h.s  creat.on,  ^"^  ";;°;  PP^j^i,         opriate 

The  inferior,  though  necessary  sens    ,  each  w        PP     P,^^^_^ 

^''""'•^"".ts^Lrnover    :dt  of  pleasure  to,  and 
its  proper  hm.ts,funsh  a  ^^^  _^,^.^  ^^^^^^^, 

are  servants  o.  the  soul ,  ^^^_^^  ^^^^  .^  ^,^^^^  ^^  ^^.^ 

emanation  from  the  Deity,  wn  „oodness,  his 

works,  and  through  them  ^'P?''-'^'";"  °'  '  ^^.^er  stiU-if 
,ove  and  elevation  to  Intel  gene  ^^    J  ,^ 

ES::;:;?^=^"b;:STd^:d^ 

onowy  vc  ^iKncr  it  haclr"  through  the  voice  ol 

God  s";— ^^'^^^  f^^^^^^^^^^   aesplingly  in  what 
""sl  noi  this  continual  conmct  which  the  sou 

Taiiins  with  the  lower  senses  that  -— .s^sc  o  •  ^ 
probation  here?-the  dual  nature  that  Paul  con.pla>n   of^ 
^    But  let  us  turn  from  this  sad  picture  for  a  moment  to  t 

;d  its  organ.  The  Spirit  din 


the 
its 


• 


nobler  senses— to  vis 


lull 


THE  RESURRECTIOXISTS 


39 


mimic  telescope,  the  eye,  on  the  surrounding   world,   and 
instantly,  reflected  on  the  retina  through  the  little  pupil,  it 
beholds,  pictured  as  if  by  magic,  oceans,  mountains,  forests, 
rivers,   valleys,   tropic   vegetation,   arctic    snows,    parents, 
children,  friends-all  the  machinery  of  life  and  being,  now 
stationary,  now  floating  in  ever  changing  panorama-pan- 
orama, itkf  alone,  fraught  with  study  for  ages,  till,  with  the 
declining  sun,  darkness  insensibly  draws  its  veil  around,  and 
all  is  lost  to  view,  all  hushed  in  silence. 

But  in   the   darkness,   the   Spirit  still   seeks  its  proper 
stimulus,  the  light,  and  elevates  its  gaze  up  to  the  o'erhang- 
ing  canopy.     Again,  the  little  optic  mirror,  faithful  to  its 
purpose,  performs  its  duty  ;  now  reflects  the  blazing  glories 
of  the  starry  firmament,  the  constellations  moving  on  in  their 
appointed  journeys  in  silent  majesty ;  the  moon  in  serene 
splendor,  sailing  amid  her  sister  planets   through  the   cold 
blue    ether,  now    struggling   with,  now   joyously  passing 
through,  the  tly  ing  clouds,  temporarily  obscuring  her,  to  cast 
again  her  soft  and  benignant  light  on  all  the  world  beneath  ; 
apt  portraiture  of  the  soul  in  her  struggles  with  the  murky 

clouds  of  sense. 

Amazed,  the  delighted  Spirit  begins  to  reason.  It  reasons 
out  the  Lens,  places  it  auxiliary  to  the  little  mirror ;  and 
straight  it  finds  the  distant  stars  increase  in  brilliancy  ;  that 
some  are  nearer,*  and  that  other  stars  appear,  -  which  were 
not  there  before."  In  exultation  it  enlarges  its  artificial  aid, 
and  then  present  themselves  far  distant  in  the  dark  o'erhang- 
ing  chasms,  other  and  yet  other  stars;  and  far  beyond  them 
still,  fleecy,  fog-like  nebula.  It  increases  the  optic  stimulus 
and  the  dim  light  is  resolved  to  glittering  "  star  dust,"  the 

*  Planets. 


1      ; 


liii' 


THE  KESUKKtCTlOXtSTS 

'°  .  ,t  .dds  yet  Other  power,  and  lo!  the 

star  dust  to  stars.    It  ^^^JJ       ^^  ft™,aments,  firmaments 
fleecy'  nebute  expand  "^f"!'"  '         ,^1      .vorlds;  here  sen- 

,.„rious  wHh  suns  -    '^;  7;  ^or ;  here  in  colors  of 

tiUating  in  the.rown  proper  s.lveP  ^^^^._^^  ^^.^^ 

orange,  gold,  and  pale  blue  -Pj  ';;;  „ess  of  regal  dia- 

.ubyandcmerald,blazu,gma     hego  g         ^^^_^^^^^^  ^^^.^^ 

dem,'  firmaments,  -mP-'d  «  th  J  '>  ^  ^^^.^ 

first  met  its  uneducated  gaze    shut  as     P  ^^  ^^^ 

ButdoestheSp-nt^  ere^to    a„d^^^.^^^^^^  which  its 

•tis  but  in  Its  novmate.     vv  continuously  ex- 

intelligence  reasons  orth,  and  whchG  ^^^     ,^ 

tends  in  exact  accordance  w,th>s  pat  ^^^,,^^3  ^,^;,^ 

still  onward,  plunges  y^'.^^P^  ;^  "^'^.f,  ..st  congeries. 
o(  space,  and  sweeps  ■"  -"^^'^^  ^„„„,,,,3  „,riads  o( 
islands,  continents  of  wor Ids.  m.ll  on  ,  c  ^,.^5^,^33 

worlds,  which,  like  huge  sUr.y  -  J^^^,_  ,„3,,,  „„  ,3 

aerial  ocean;  -<»  ^'' "^^  untold  themselves  to  its 
the  blazing  g>°""  ^'^^^"J";;  beginning  of  education  in 
enchanted  gaze!    This  is  but  tn        s  ._^  .^^ 

the  Deity ;   but  the  first  lisping  ol  the  P 

study  of  the  Infinite !  .^,  ^^^^ 

Kor  does  the  spirit  confin^^^^^^^^^^^  of   other  of 

nor  to  unassisted  vision  m  '",       jj  ^ut  with  micro- 
nature's  great  volume  open  spread^^e^^^^^^^^^^        ,,,  _en 

rtth  i't   fett    h        sl'L  and  studies  with  eagerness  the 
beneath  Its  leei ,  "^vv  bottom  of 

*  See  Nichols'  Stellar  Universe,  pp.  72,  73- 


THE  RESURRECTIOMSTS 


fighti 


41 

the  single 


tne  infusoria  millions,  sporting  and  fighting  n.  tne  sinj 
liquid  drop ;  invisible  nothings  to  its  naked  eyesight,  through 
magnifying   power   springing   into  entity  and   benig;    d.s- 
covers  the  gaudy  unsuspected  plumage  on  the  insect  swn.g; 
detects  the  crystal's  angles;  with  its  prism,  even  dissects 
and   delightedly    holds    suspended,   quivering   in   its  con- 
stituent colors,  light  itself,  its  own  natural  stimulus;  scoops 
from  the  ocean  of  Eternity  a  drop,  and  calls  it  time ;  and 
weighs  in  like  exquisite  balance  the  minute  grain  and  dis- 
'    tant  worlds.    Yet  this  little  eye,  this  retina,  this  organ  so 
indispensable,  the  key  to  open  these  wondrous  mysteries,  is 
.   a  part  and  but  a  portion  of  the  much-despised  body. 
1        But  what  were  all  this  to  the  gentle  Spirit  whose  law  is 
^  love  love  which  tends  continually  back  to  its  great  Creator, 
who' Himself  is  love,  if,  locked  up  in  loneliness,  it  could  not, 
through  the  sense  of  hearing,  receive  the  tones  of   tender- 
^  ness,  gentleness,  devotion-the  interchange  of  thought  with 
4  other  intelligences-hear  the  mother's  deep  accen^  of  affec- 
tion.  the  prattle  of  the  child,  the  gentle  voice  of  Charity, 
the  glorious  harmonies  which  float  it  away  as  if  by  magic, 
until  in  ecstacy  it  is  merged  and  almost  lost  in  the  unseen 
Infinite ;  or  the  louder  and  terrific  crash  which  frightens  it 
cowering  into  more  immediate  apprehension  of  the  Deity  . 
Doubtless  the  body  is  the  servant  of  the  soul ;  but  the  con- 
nection of   a   minister  of  such  necessity,  provided  by  the 
Infinite,  may  well  startle  us  when  we  reflect  to  what  account 
we  shall  be  held  for  its  abuse  and  injury;  injury  inevitable 
when  in  the  least  degree  we  o'erstep  the  bounds  of  rigid 
temperance;  injury  that  paralyzes  the  harmony  of  action, 
which  is  its  appointed  function. 
'        ^  A  nebula  in  the  constellation  •'  Aquarius  "  is  estimated  to  be 


42 


THE  RESURRECTIONISTS 


three  thousand  six  hundred  millions  of  miles  in  extent.  One  m 
"  Lyra  "  to  be  distant  from  the  earth  forty-seven  thousand  bilhons 
of  miles;  another,  in  the  constellation  "Triangulum,"  seven- 
teen  thousand  biUions  of  -niles.  The  nearest  (!)  star  to  our  system 
is  Alpha,  in  "  Centaurus,'  which  is  computed  to  be  twenty  billions  of 
miles  distant.  Our  own  Solar  system,  although  it  is  five  thousand 
seven  hundred  millions  of  miles  in  diameter,  is  a  mere  point  in  the 
Universe.     (Bouvier's  Astronomy.) 

»  This  magnificent  scene  presents  itself  near  "  Kappa,"  in  the 
constellation  "  Crux."  See  Bouv.  Ast.,  pp.  250-284.  For  others,  see 
Nichols'  Stellar  Universe,  p.  172. 

»  While  it  is  hopeless  for  us  to  form  even  a  faint  idea  of  these  awful 
distances,  yet  we  may  make  a  feeble  effort  at  approximation  towards 
their  reality,  by  considering  that  a  railroad  car,  traveling  night  and 
day,  at  the  rate  of  twenty  miles  an  hour,  would  require  three  hun- 
dred  millions  of  years  to  reach  the  star  "  Sirius  ;  "  (Bouvier's  Ast.)- 
that  with  the  electric  fluid  flashing  through  space  at  a  velocity  of 
twenty  thousand  miles  a  second,  it  would  alike  require,  were  such 
transmission  possible,  ninety  years  to  convey  a  telegraphic  message 
to  star  6r,  "Cygni;"  and  thirty  years  to  Alpha  "Centaun,"  the 
nearest  fixed  star  to  the  earth.     (Bouvier's  Ast.) 

*  The  flies  which  I  had  observed  were  all  distinguished  from  each 
other  by  their  colors,  their  forms  and  their  manners.  Some  were  of 
the  color  of  gold,  others  of  silver,  and  others  of  bronze  ;  these  were 
spotted,  those  striped  ;  some  were  blue,  some  green,  some  dull,  and 
others  shining.  In  some,  the  head  was  rounded  like  a  turban,  in  others 
lengthened  into  a  point  like  a  nail ;  in  some  it  appeared  dark  like  a 
spot  of  black  velvet,  in  others  it  sparkled  like  a  ruby. 

We  may  therefore  conclude,  by  analogy,  that  there  are  animals 
which  feed  on  the  leaves  of  plants  like  the  cattle  in  our  meadows, 
which  recline  in  the  shade  of  hairs  imperceptible  to  human  eyes,  and 
which  drink  from  their  glands,  formed  like  suns,  liquid  gold  and 
silver.  Every  part  of  a  flower  must  present  them  with  spectacles  of 
which  we  have  no  idea.  The  yellow  antherje  suspended  on  white 
threads  appear  to  them  like  double  bars  of  gold  balanced  on  col- 
umns more  beautiful  than  ivory  ;  the  corallae  like  vaults  of  rubies  and 
topazes,  of  immeasurable  extent ;  the  nectaria  like  rivers  of  sugar ; 


!   i 


THE  RESURRECTIONISTS 


43 


the  other  parts  of  the  blossom  like  cups,  urns,  pavilions  and  domes, 
which  the  architecture  and  workmanship  of  men  have  never 
imitated.        *        *        * 

The  animals  which  live  beneath  their  rich  reflections  must  have 
ideas  very  different  from  ours  concerning  light  and  the  other  phe- 
nomena of  nature.  A  dew-drop,  filtering  through  the  capillary  and 
transparent  tubes  of  a  plant,  appears  to  them  like  a  thousand  foun- 
tains ;  collected  into  a  globule  at  the  extremity  of  one  of  its  hairs, 
it  is  "a  boundless  ocean  ;  and  when  evaporated  in  the  atmosphere,  an 
aerial  sea.     (St.  Pierre,  "  Studies  of  Nature r) 


OLD    KENNEDY,  THE   QUARTERMASTER. 


(Constitution  and  Guerriere.) 

(See  Frontispiece.) 


No.  I. 

THE  sun  became  more  and  more  powerful  as  it  ascended 
towards  the  meridian,  and  was  reflected  with  efful- 
gent intensity  from  the  mirror-surfaceof  the  river.  As 
we  bent  over  the  side  and  looked  far  down  into  the  deep  vault 
reflected  from  above,  and  saw  our  gallant  little  yacht,  with  her 
white  sails  and  dark  hull,  suspended  with  even  minute  trac- 
ery  over  it,  we  could  almost  imagine  ourselves  with  the 
Ancient  Mariner,  "  in  a  painted  ship  upon  a  painted  ocean." 
The  white  sand-banks  quivered  and  palpitated  in  the  sultry 
glare,  and  the  atmosphere  of  the  adjoining  swamps  hung  over 
them  in  a  light  blue  vapor,  the  deadly  miasma,  their  usual 
covering,  dissipated  in  the  fervent  heat,  while  the  silence 
was  unbroken,  save  by  the  occasional  scream  of  the  gull,  as 
it  wheeled  about  in  pursuit  of  its  prey,  or  the  quick  alarmed 
cry  of  the  kingfisher,  hastily  leaving  some  dead  branch  upon 
the  shore  to  wing  its  way  farther  from  the  object  of  its  terror. 
The  black  boy,  in  perfect  negro  elysium,  lay  stretched  fast 
asleep,  with  his  arm  resting  upon  one   of  the  dogs,  in  the 
blazing  sun  on  the  forecastle  ;]  while  we  ourselves  reclined 
upon  the  cushions  with  our  refreshments  before  us,  indolently 
puffing  our  cigars  under  the  awning  :  Old  Kennedy,  perched 


OLD  KENNEDY,   THE   QUARTER-MASTER 


45 


upon  the  taffrail,  coxswain  fashion,  with  the  tiller  between 
his  legs.    While  thus  enjoying  ourselves,  like  true  disciples 
of  Epicurus,  the  guitar  was  taken  from  its  case  in  the  cabin, 
and  accompanied  by  the  rich  tones  of  Walter  Smith,  "Here's 
a  health  to  thee,  Mary,"  in  compliment  to  our  kind  hostess, 
swept  over  the  still  surface  of  the    river  till  dissipated  in 
the  distance,  and  anon  the  "  Wild  Huntsman,"  and  "  Here's 
a  health  to  all  good  lassies,"  shouted  at  the  pitch  of  three 
deep  bass  voices,  bounded  over  the  banks,  penetrating  the 
deep  forest,  causing  the  wild  game  to  spring  from  their  cov- 
erts m  consternation  at  such  unusual  disturbance  of  its  noon- 
tide stillness.    "  We    bade   dull  care  begone,  and  daft  the 
time  away."     Old  Kennedy,  seated  at  the  tiller,  his  grey  hair 
smoothed  down  on  one  side,  and  almost  falling  into  his  eyes, 
his  cheek  distended  with  a   huge  quid   of  tobacco,  which 
gave  an  habitual  drag  to  a  mouth  whose  expression  indi- 
cated surly  honesty  and  resolution,  was  a  perfect  portrait  of 
many  an  old  quarter-master,  still  in   the  service,  while  his 
scrupulously  clean  shirt,  with  its  blue  collar  open  at  the  neck, 
discovering  a  rugged  throat    encircled  by  a  ring  of  grey 
hairs,  and  his  white  canvas  tVowsers,  as  tight  at  the  hips  as 
they  were  egregiously  large  at  the  ankles,  indicated  the  rig 
in  which  he  had  turned  up  for  the   last  thirty  years  to  Sun- 
day muster.     The  old  seaman  had  seen  a  great  deal  of  serv- 
ice, having  entered  the  Navy  at  the  opening  of  the  difficul- 
ties with  the  Barbary  powers,  and  had  been  engaged  in  sev- 
eral of  the  signal  naval  actions  which  followed  in  the  subse- 
quent war  with  Great  Britain.     Previous  to  that  time,  he  had 
been  in  the  [employ  of  Tom's  father,  who  was  an  extensive 
shipping  merchant  at  Alexandria,  and  now,  in  his  old  age, 
influenced  by  an  attachment  for  the  son,  who  had  built  a 


fi 


I 


I 


46 


OLD  KENNEDY,   THE   QUARTER-MASTER 


snug  cottage  for  him  on  his  estate,  and,  vested  with  the  full 
control  of  the  yacht,  he  had  been  induced  to  come  down  to 
spend  the  remainder  of  his  days  on  the  banks  of  the  Poto- 
mac, enjoying  the  pension  awarded  by  government  for  the 

loss  of  his  arm. 

I  had  previously  had  the  hint  given  me,  that  a  little  adroit 
management  would  set  him  to  spinning  a  yarn  which  would 
suit  my  fancy.     So,  watching  a  good  opportunity,  knowing 
that  the  old  man  had  been  with  Hull  in  his  fight  with  the 
Guerriere,  I  successfully  gave  a  kick  to  the  ball  by  remark- 
ing :     "  You    felt  rather  uncomfortable,  Kennedy,  did   you 
not,  as  you   were  bearing  down  on   the  Guerriere,  taking 
broadside  and  broadside  from  her,  without  returning  a  shot? 
You  had  time  to  think  of  your  sins,  my  good  fellow,  as  con- 
science had  you  at  the  gangway  ?  "     "  Well,  sir,"  replied  he, 
deliberately  rolling  his  tobacco  from  one  side  of  his  mouth 
to  the  other,  squirting  the  juice  through  his  front  teeth  with 
true  nautical  grace—"  Well,  sir,  that  ere  was  the  first  frigate 
action  as  ever  I  was  engaged  in,  and  I  am  free  to  confess,  I 
overhauled  the  log  of  my  conscience  to  see  how  it  stood,  so 
it  mought  be  I  was  called  to  muster  in  the  other  world  in  a 
hurry  ;  but  I  don't  think  any  of  his  shipmates  will  say  that 
Old  Bill  Kennedy  did  his  duty  any  the  worse  that  day,  be- 
cause he  thought  of  his  God,  as  he  has  many  a  time  since  at 
quarters.    There's  them  as  says  the  chaplain  is  paid  for  the 
religion  of  the  ship,  and  it's  none  of  ihe  sailors'  business ; 
but  I  never  seen  no  harm  in  an  honest  seaman's  thinking  for 
himself.     Howdsomever,  I   don't  know   the  man  what  can 
stand  by  his  gun  at  such  time,  tackle  cast  loose,  decks  sanded, 
matches  lighted,  arm-chests  thrown  open,  yards  slung,  ma- 
.•„_-  ;_  iu-    — .,^.nTr,,.o    t->r,w^'»»*-V^<^v«:  nnssinp"   ammunition 


OLD  KEXXEDW    THE   QUARTER-MASTER 


47 


buckets,  ship  as  still   as  death,  officers  in   their  iron-bound 
boarding  caps,cutlashes  hanging  by  lanyards  at  their  wrists, 
standing    like  statues   at  divisions,  enemy    may-be  bearing 
down  on  the  weather-quarter — I  say,  1  doesn't  know  the  man 
at  sich  time,  as  won't  take  a  fresh  bite  of  his  quid,  and  give 
a  hitch  to  the  waistbands  of  his  trowsers,as  he  takes  a  squint 
at  the  enemy  through  the  port  as  he  bears  down.     And  as 
you  say,  at  that  particular  time,  the  Guerriere  (as  is  French 
for  sojer)  was  wearing  and  manoeuvering,  and  throwing  her 
old  iron  into  us,  broadside  and  broadside,  like  as  I  have  seen 
them  Italians  in  Naples  throw  sugar-plums  at  each  other  in 
Carnival  time.     Afore  she  was  through,  tho',  she  found  it 
was  no  sugar-plum  work,  so  far  as  Old  Ironsides   was  con- 
sarned.    You  obsarve,  when  we  first  made  her  out,  we  seen 
she  was  a  large  ship  close  hauled  on  the  starboard  lack,  so 
we  gin   chase,  and  when  within  three  miles  o^  her  took  in 
all  our  light  sails,  hauled  courses  up,  beat  to  quarters  and 
got  ready  Tor  action.     She  wore  and  manoeuvered  for  some 
time,  endeavoring  to  rake,  but  not  making  it  out  bore  up  un- 
der her  jib  and  topsails,  and  gallantly  waited  for  us.     Well, 
sir — as   we  walked  down  to   her,  there  stands  the  old  man 
(Hull),  his  swabs  on  his  shoulders,  dressed  as  fine  in  his  yel- 
low nankin  vest  and  breeches,  as  if  he  was  going  ashore  on 
leave — there  he  stands,  one  leg  inside  the  hammock  nettings, 
taking  snuff  out  of  his   vest  pocket,  v  s*ching  her  manoeu- 
vres, as  she  blazed  away  like  a  house  a-fiic,  j;?t  as  cool  as  if 
he  was  only  receiving  complimentary   salutes.     She   burnt 
her  brimstone,  and  was  noisy,  but  never  a  gun  fires  we.     Old 
Ironsides  poked  her  nose  steady  right  down  for  her,  carry- 
ins:  a  bank  of  foam  under  her  bows  like  a  feather-bed  cast 
loose.     Well,  as  wx  neared  her,  and  she  wears  first  a-star- 


MP 


\i\    l 


48 


OLD  KENNEDY,    THE  QUARTER-MASTER 


board,  and  then  a-larboard,  giving  us  a  regular  broadside  at 
every  tack,  her  shot  first  falls  short,  but  as  we  lessened  the 
distance,  some  of  them  begins  to  come  aboard,  first  among 
the  rigging,  and  cuts  away  some  of  the  stuff  aloft,  for  them 
Englishmen  didn't  larn  to  fire  low  till  we  larnt  'em.     First 
they  comes  in  aloft,  but  by-and-by,  in  comes  one— lower- 
crash— through  the  bulwarks,  making  the   splinters  fly  like 
carpenters'  chips,  then  another,  taking   a  gouge  out   of  the 
main-mast,  and  pretty  soon  agin— V/«V,'  I  recollects  the  sound 
of  that  ere  shot  well—'  chit,'  another  dashed   past  my   ear, 
and  glancing  on  a  gun-carriage,  trips  up  the  heels   of  three 
as  ^od  men  as  ever  walked  the  decks  of  that  ere  ship,  and 
all  this  while  never  a  gun  fires  we,  but   continues    steadily 
eating  our  way  right  down  on  to  his  quarter,  the  old  man 
standing  in  the  hammock  nettings  watching  her  movements 
as  if  she  was  merely  playing  for  his  amusement.     Well,  as 
we  came  within  carronade  distance,  them  shot   was  coming 
on  board  rather  faster  than  mere  fun,  and  some  of  the  young 
sailors  begins   to   grumble,  and  by-and-by,  the  old  men-of- 
wars-men  growled  too,  and  worked  rusty— cause  why— they 
sees  the  enemy's  mischief,  and  nothing  done   by  us  to  ag- 
gravate them  in  return.     Says  Bill  Vinton,  the  vent-holder, 
to  me  :     'I   say,  Kennedy,'  says  he,  *  what's  the  use  ;   if  this 
here's  the  way  they  fights  frigates,  dam'me !  but  I'd  rather 
be  at  it  with  the  Turks  agin  on  their  own  decks  as  we  was  at 
Tripoli.      It's  like  a  Dutch  bargain,  all  on  one  side.     I   ex- 
pects the  next  thing,  they'll  order  pipe  down  and   man  the 
side-ropes  for  that  ere  Englishman  to  come  aboard  and  call 
the  muster-roll.'     '  Avast  a  bit,'  says  I ;  '  never  you  fear  the 
old  man.     No  English  press-gang  comes  on  board  this  ship; 
old  Blow-hard  knows  what  he's  about. 


OLD  KENNEDY,    THE  QUARTER-MASTER 


49 


"  Well,  by-and-by  Mr.  Morris,  our  first  lieutenant,  who  all 
the  while  had  been  walking  up  and  down  the  quarter-deck, 
his  trumpet  under  his  arm,  and  his  eyes  glistening  like  a 
school-boy's  just  let  out  to  play ;  by-and-by   he  begins  to 
look  sour,  'ticularly  when  he  sees  his  favorite  coxswain  of 
the  first  cutter  carried  by  a  shot  through  the  opposite  port. 
So  he  first  look§  hard  at  the  old  man,  and  then  walks  up  to 
him  and  says,  by  way  of  a  hint,  in  a  low  tone :  *  The  ship  is 
ready  for  action,  sir ;  and  the  men  are  getting  impatient.' 
The  old  man  never  turns,  but  keeps  his  eye  steadily  on  the 
enemy,  while  he  replies :  *  Are — you — all  ready,  Mr.  Mor- 
ris ?'    *  All  ready,  sir,'  says  the  lieutenant.    '  Don't  fire  a  gun 
till  I  give  the  orders,  Mr.  Morris,'  says  the  old  man.      Pres- 
ently  up  comes  a  midshipman  from  the  main-deck,  touches 
his  hat — *  First  division  all  ready,  sir.    The  second  lieuten- 
ant reports  the  enemy's  shot  have  hurt  his  men,  and  he  can 
with   difficulty   restrain   them   from    returning  their  fire.' 
'  Tell  him  to  wait  for  orders,  Mr.  Morris,'  says  the  old  man 
again,  never  turning  his  head.     Well,  just,  you  see,  as  the 
young  gentleman  turned  to  go  below,  and  another  shot  car- 
ries off  Mr.  Bush,  lieutenant  of  marines — just  as  we  begins 
to  run  into  their  smoke,  and  even  the  old  gun-boat-men,  as 
had  been  with  Decatur  and  Somers,  begins  to  stare,   up 
jumps  the  old  man  in  the  air,  slaps  his  hand  on   his   thigh 
with   a   report  like   a  pistol,  and  roars  out  in  a  voice  that 
reached  the  gunners  in  the  magazines:     '  Now,  Mr.  Morris, 
give  it  to  them !     Now  give  it  to  them,  fore  and  aft,  round 
and  grape!     Give  it  to  'em,  sir;  give  it  to  'em!'  and  the 
words  was  scarce  out  of  his  mouth  before  our  whole  broad- 
side belched  at  half-pistol-shot;  the  old  ship,  trembling  from 
her  keel  to  her  trucks  like  an  aspen,  at  the  roar  of  her  own 


50  OLD  KENNEDY,    THE   QUARTER-MASTER 

batteries,  instantly  shooting  ahead  and  doubling  across  his 
bows,  we  gave  him  the  other  with  three  cheers,  and  then  at 
it   we   went,  regular   hammer  and  tongs.      You   would  a 
thought  you  were  in  a  thunder  storm  in  the  tropics,  from 
the  continual  roar  and  flash  of  the  batteries.     In  ten  min- 
utes his  mizzen-mast  went  by  the  board.     '  Hurrah  !'  shouts 
the   old  man;    'hurrah,  boys;  we've  made  a  brig  of   her; 
fire    low;  never   mind   their  top  hamper !     Hurrah!     we'll 
make  a  sloop  of  her  before  we've  done  ! '     In  ten  minutes 
more  over  went  her  main-mast,  carrying  twenty  men  over- 
board  as  it  went ;  and  sure  enough,  sir,   in   thirty  minutes 
that  'ere  Englishman  was  a  sheer  hulk,  smooth  as  a  canoe, 
not  a  spar  standing  but  his  bowsprit ;  and  his  decks  so  com- 
pletely  swept  by  our  grape   and   cannister  that  there  was 
barely  hands  enough  left  to  haul  down  the  colors,  as  they 
had  bravely  nailed  to  the  stump  of  their  main-mast.     '  I  say, 
Kennedy,'  says  the  vent-holder  to  me,  lying  across  the  gun 
after  she  struck,  looking  out  at  the  wrack  through  the  port, 
and  his  nose  was  as  black  as  a   nigger's   from  the  powder 
flashing  under  it,  '  I  say,  I  wonder  how  that  'ere  Englishman 
likes  the  smell  of  the  old  man's  snuff.' " 


OLD   KENNEDY,   THE   OUARTER-MASTER. 


(Sailors  Ashore. — Hornet  and  Peacock.) 


No.  II. 


WELL,  well ;  sailors  is  queer  animals,  anyhow,  and  al- 
ways ready  for  a  fight  or  frolic,  and,  so  far  as  I  sees, 
it   don't   much   matter   which.      Now,   there   was 

Captain  McL ,  he  was  a  lieutenant  then  ;  I  was  up  in  a  draft 

of  men  with  him  to  the  lakes  in  the  war,  and  as  there  was 
no  canals  nor  steamboats  in  them  days,  they  marched  us  up 
sojer  fashion.  As  we  marched  along  the  road  there  was 
nothing  but  skylarking  and  frolic  the  whole  time.  Never  a 
cow  lying  in  the  road,  but  the  lads  must  ride  ;  nor  a  pig,  but 
they  must  have  a  pull  at  his  tail.  I  recollects,  once't,  as  we 
was  passing  a  farm-yard,  Jim  Albro,  as  was  alongside  of  me 
— what  does  Jim  do,  but  jumps  over  the  fence  and  catches 
a  goose  out  of  the  pond,  and  was  clearing  with  it  under  his 
arm ;  but  the  farmer,  too  quick  for  him,  grabs  his  musket 
out  of  his  door,  and  leveling  at  Jim,  roars  out  to  drop  the 
goose.  Jim  catches  the  goose's  neck  tight  in  his  hand,  as  it 
spraddles  under  his  arm,  and  then  turning  his  head  over  his 
shoulder,  cries  out,  '  You  fire — I'll  wring  his  neck  off.'  And 
so  Jim  would  have  got  off  with  the  goose,  but  one  of  the 
officers,  seeing  what  was  going  on,  orders  Jim  to  drop  the 
goose  and  have  a  care  how  he  aggravates  the  honest  farm- 


I  i 


C2  OLD  KENNEDY,   THE   QUARTER-MASTER 

ers  in  that  'ere  sort  of  a  way  ;  for.  '  By  the  powers  !'  said  he, 
«  Mr  Jim  Albro,  this  isn't  the  first  time,  and  if  1  hear  of  the 
like  ag'in  from  you,  but  your  back  and  the  boatswain's  mate 
shall  scrape  an  acquaintance  the  first  moment  we  come 
witnin  the  smell  of  a  tarred  ratlin.* 

-  It  was  wrong,  to  be  sure,  for  Bill  to  take   the   man's 
goose,  seeing  as  how  it  was  none  of  his  ;  but  there  was  one 
affair  that  same  day,  as  the  lads  turned  up  to,  and,  though  a 
steady  man,  I'm  free  to  confess  I  had  a  hand  m't.      Why, 
what  do  you  think,  sir,  but  as  we  what  was  bound   for  to 
fight  the  battles  of  our  country-what  do  you  thmk,  but  as 
we  comes  to  one  of  them  big  gates  they  has  on  the  roads, 
but  the  feller  as  keeps  it-dam'me,  sir,  what  does  he  do  but 
makes  all  fast,  and  swears  that  we  shan't  go  through  without 
paying  !     I'm  free  to  confess,  sir,  that  thut  'ere  gate  went  off 
its  hinges  a  little  quicker  than  the  chain  of  our  be-^t  bower 
ever  run  through  the  hawse  hole.     A  cummudgeonly  son  of 
a  land  lubber-as  if,  because  we  didn't  wear  long-tail  coats 
and  high-heel  boots,  we  was  to  pay  like  horses  and  oxen ! 
If  the  miserable  scamp  hadn't  've  vanished  like  a  streak  mto 
the  woods,  we'd  have  paid  him  out  of  his  own  tar-bucket, 
and  rolled  him  over  in  the  feathers  of  one  of  his  wife's  own 
beds      But,  d'ye  see,  that  wasn't  the  eend  of  it     Them  'ere 
lawyers  gets  hold  of  it.  and  it  was  the  first  time  any  of  them 
land-sharks  ever  came  athwart  my  hawse. 

"  When  we  gets  to  the  next  town,  up  comes  a  constable 
to  the  midshipman,  supposing  as  how  he  was  in  command  of 
the  draft;  up  comes  the  constable  and  says,  says  he,  '  Cap- 
ting  I  arrests  you  for  a  salt  and  battery,  in  behalf  of  these 
here'  men,  as  has  committed  it,'  meaning,  you  understand, 
the  affair  of  the  gate.     Well,  the  midshipman,  all  ripe  for 


'iff'.-,  ti: 


OLD  KKXNEDY,    THE  QUARTER-MASTLK 


53 


frolic  and  fun  himself,  pulls  a  long  face,  and  says  gruffly  that 
his  men  hadn't  been  engaged  in  no  salt  on  no  battery  ;  but 
that  they  was  ready  at  all  times  to  fight  for  their  country, 
and  asks  him  whereaway  that  same  English  battery  lay,  as 
he  would  answer  for  the  lads  salting  it  quick  enough.  Then 
the  lawyer,  as  was  standing  with  his  hands  behind  him,  up 
and  tells  him  that  '  it's  for  a  trespass  in  the  case.'  '  Oh  !  a 
trespass  in  the  gate,  you  mean,'  says  the  midshipman.  But 
just  then  the  lieutenant  comes  up  to  see  what's  the  muss, 
and  bids  me  put  on  my  jacket,  for,  d'ye  see,  I  had  squared 
off  to  measure  the  constable  for  a  pair  of  black  eyes.  Hang 
me,  if  the  feller  didn't  turn  as  white  as  a  sheet.  '  Put  on 
your  jacket,  sir,'  says  he,  '  and  leave  the  man  alone.'      And 

then,  turning  to  the  midshipman  :  '  Mr. ,  take  the  men 

down  to  the  tavern  and  splice  the  main-brace,  while  I  walk 
up  to  the  justice's  with  the  gentleman,  to  settle  this  affair. 
And,  hark'ee,  ye  rascals,'  says  he,  '  don't  disgrace  the  name 
of  blue  jacket  in  this  quiet  village,  but  behave  yourselves 
till  I  return.'  Well,  he  and  the  lawyer  walks  up  to  the  jus- 
tice's, and  there  they  took  a  glass  of  wine  together,  and 
that's  the  last  we  hearn  of  that  'ere  business. 

"  There  ag'in.  when  we  took  the  Peacock — you  all  knows 
about  that  'ere  action.  It  was  what  I  calls  short  and  sweet. 
Fifteen  minutes  from  the  first  gun,  he  was  cut  almost  entire- 
ly to  pieces,  his  main-mast  gone  by  the  board,  six  feet  of 
water  in  the  hold,  and  his  flag  flying  in  the  fore-rigging,  as 
a  signal  of  distress.  The  sea  was  running  so  heavy  as  to 
wash  the  muzzles  of  our  guns  as  we  run  down.  We  ex- 
changed broadsides  at  half-pistol-shot,  and  then,  as  he  wore 
to,  to  rake  us,  we  received  his  other  broadside,  running  him 
close  in  upon  the  starboard  quarter,  and  a   drunken  sailor 


li   :    I         :l 


54 


OLD  KENNEDY,   THE   QUARTER-MASTER 


never  hugged  a  post  closer  nor  we  did  that  brig  till  we  had 
hammered  daylight  out  of  her.  A  queer  thing  is  war, 
though,  and  I  can't  say  as  I  was  ever  satisfied  as  to  its  de- 
sarts,  though  I've  often  turned  the  thing  over  in  my  mind 
in  mid-watch  since.  There  was  we,  what  was  stowing  our 
round  shot  into  that  'ere  brig,  as  if  she  had  been  short  of 
kenteledge,  and  doing  all  we  could  to  sweep  with  our  grape 


and  cannister  everything  living  from  her  decks ;  there  was 
we,  fifteen  minutes  after,  working  as  hard  as  we  could  pull, 
to  keep  her  above  water,  while  we  saved  her  wounded 
and  the  prisoners,  like  as  she  had  been  an  unfortunate  wrack, 
foundering  at  sea.     But  all  wouldn't  do.     Down  she  went, 

^_. : Au;-.i.^^^  ^(  U^»-r»'vr>  \*rr\^1r\Af^r\    hf>QiHp<s  snme  of   our 

Caiiyillg    Lull  LCCXI   v^i     ii^-i    UrVli     tt  • -v.!!- , -- 

own  brave  lads  as  was  exerting  themselves  to  save  them, 


OLD  KENNEDY,   THE   QUARTER-MASTER 


55 


and  mighty  near  did  Bill  Kennedy  come  to  being  one  of  the 
number,  and  having  a  big  D  marked  ag'in  his  name  on  the 
purser's  book,  at  that  same  time.     The  moment  she  showed 
signals   of  distress,  all   our   boats  was  put  in  requisition  to 
transport  the  prisoners  and  wounded  to  the  Hornet.     I  was 
in  the  second  cutter  with  Midshipman  Cooper.     He  was  a 
little   fellow  then,   though   he's  a  captain  now.     Well,  we 
stowed  her  as  full  as  she  could  stow,  and  I  was  holding  on 
by  the  boat-hook  in  the  bows,  jist  ready   to  push  off,  when 
Midshipman  Cooper  jumps  aboard  ag'in  and  runs  back  to 
call  a  couple  of  the  Englishmen  as  was  squared  off  at  each 
other,  at  the  foot  of  the  main-hatch  ladder,  settling  some 
old   grudge  (for,  d'ye  see,  sir,  all  discy^YmQ  is  over  the  mo- 
ment a  ship  strikes).     He  runs  back  to   tell   them   to  clear 
themselves,  for  the  ship  was  sinking  ;  but  before  he  could 
reach  them  she  rolls  heavily,  sways  for  an  instant  from  side 
to  side,  gives  a  heavy  lurch,  and  then  down  she  goes  head 
foremost,  carrying  them  fellers  as  was  squared  off  ag'in  each 
other,  and  her  own  wounded,  besides  four  or  five   of  our 
own  brave  lads,  right  down  in  the  vortex.     Our  boat  spun 
round  and  round  like  a  top  for  a  moment,  and  then  swept 
clear,  but  the  midshipman  barely  saved  himself  by  spring- 
ing into  an  empty  chest  as  was  floating  by,  and  there  he  was, 
dancing  about  in  the  heavy  sea  like  a  gull  in  the  surf,  and  it 
was  nigh  on  two  hours  afore  we  picked  him  up  ;  but  the  lit- 
tle fellow  was  jist  as  cool  and  unconsarned  as  if  he  was  in  a 
canoe  on  a  fish-pond.     The  next  day  we  opens  a  subscrip- 
tion and  furnishes  all  the  British  seamen  with  two  shirts  and 
a  blue  jacket  and  trowsers  each,  'cause  why,  d'ye  see,  they'd 
lost  all  their  traps  in  their  ship  when  she  went  down. 


ill 


OLD   KENNEDY,    THE    QUARTER-MASTER. 

(Perry's  Victory  on  Lake  Erie.) 


i; ;  ;:; ' 


No.  III. 

BUT,"  says  I,  "  Kennedy,  I  think  you  said  your  draft 
was  bound  for  the  lakes.  Which  did  you  go  to,  On- 
tario or  Erie  ?"  "  I  was  on  both,  sir,"  says  he,  "  afore 
the  war  was  over,  and  we  got  as  much  accustomed  to  pok- 
ing our  flying  jib-boom  into  the  trees  on  them  shores  as  if 
the  sticks  was  first  cousins,  which,  seeing  as  how  the  ships 
was  built  in  the  woods,  wouldn't  be  much  of  a  wonder. 
Part  of  that  'ere  draft  staid  down  on  Ontario,  with  the  old 
commodore  as  was  watching  Sir  James,  and  part  was  sent 
up  to  Erie.  I  went  up  to  Erie  and  joined  the  Lawrence, 
Commodore  Oliver  H.  Perry ;  and  I  hopes  that  old  Bill 
Kennedy  needn't  be  called  a  braggart,  if  he  says  he  did  his 
part  in  showing  off  as  handsome  a  fight  on  that  same  fresh- 
water pond  as  has  ever  been  done  by  an  equal  force  on  blue 
water.  Our  gallant  young  commodore  made  as  tight  a  fight 
of  it  as  it  has  ever  been  my  luck  to  be  engaged  in  :  and  see- 
ing as  how  half  of  his  men  was  down  with  fever  and  ager, 
and  not  one  in  a  dozen  knew  the  difference  between  the 
smell  of  gun-powder  and  oil  of  turpentine,  blow  me  !  but  I 
think  it  was  about  as  well  done. 

"  You  see,  our  squadron  was  lying  in  a  bay  as  they  calls 


OLD  KENNEDY,   THE  QUARTER-MASTER 


57 


Put-in-Bay,  and  when  the  enemy  first  hove  in  sight  it  was 
in  the  morning,  about  seven  o'clock.  I  knows  that  that  was 
the  time,  because  I  had  just  been  made  quarter-master,  by 
Captain  Perry,  and  was  the  first  as  seen  them  through  my 
glass.  They  was  in  the  nor'-west,  bearing  down.  As  soon 
as  we  made  them  out  to  be  the  enemy's  fleet,  up  went  the 
signal  to  get  under  way,  our  ship,  the  Lawrence,  in  course 
taking  the  lead.  Well,  as  we  was  working  slowly  to  wind- 
ward, to  clear  some  sma.  islands — one  of  'em  was  Snake 
Island— I  hearn  Captain  Perry  come  up  to  the  master  and 
ask  him,  in  a  low  voice,  whether  he  thought  he  should  be 
able  to  work  out  to  wind'ard  in  time  to  get  the  weather- 
gage  of  the  enemy  ;  but  the  master  said  as  how  the  wind 
was  sou'-west,  and  light,  and  he  didn't  think  he  could. 
♦  Then,'  said  the  commodore,  aloud,  *  wear  ship,  sir,  and  go 
to  leeward,  for  I  am  determined  to  fight  them  to-day.'  But 
just  then  the  wind  came  round  to  the  south'ardand  east'ard, 
and  we  retained  the  weather-gage,  and  slowly  bore  down 
upon  the  enemy.  They  did  all  they  could  to  get  the  wind, 
but  not  succeeding,  hove  into  line,  heading  west'ard,  and 
gallantly  waited  for  us  as  we  came  down. 

"  There  lay  their  squadron,  all  light  sails  taken  in,  just  like 
a  boxer,  with  his  sleeves  rolled  up  and  handkerchief  tied 
about  his  loins,  ready  to  make  a  regular  stand-up  fight;  and 
there  wasn't  a  braver  man,  nor  better  sailor,  in  the  British 
Navy,  nor  that  same  Barclay,  whose  broad  pennant  floated 
in  the  van  of  that  squadron. 

"  Pretty  soon,  up  runs  our  motto-flag,  the  dying  words  of 
our  hero  Lawrence— ' Don't  give  up  the  j/«>'— and  floats 
proudly  from  our  main  ;  and  then  the  general  order  was 
passed  down  the  line  by  trumpet :     '  Each  ship,  lay  your  en- 


':i 


58 


OLD  KENNEDY,   THE  QUARTER-MASTER 


Hill 


emy  alongside  f  and  if  you  ever  seen  a  flock  of  wild  geese  fly- 
ing  south'ard  in  the  fall  of  the  year,  you'll  have  some  idea 
of  us  as  we  went  down  into  action.    The  men   was  full  of 
spirit  and  panting  for  a  fight,  and  even  them  as  was  so  sick  as 
to  be  hardly  able  to  stand  insisted  upon  taking  their  places  at 
the  guns.     I  recollects  one  in  particular,  he  was  a  carpenter's 
mate,  a  steady  man  from  Newport,  he  crawls  up   when  we 
beat  to  quarters  and  seats  himself  upon  the  head  of  one  of 
the  pumps,  with  the   sounding-rod  in  his  hand,  looking  as 
yellow  as  if  he  had  just  been  dragged  out  of  a  North  Caro- 
lina  cypress  swamp ;  but  one  of  the  officers  comes  up  to 
him  as  he  was  sitting  there,  and  says :    '  You  are  too  sick  to 
be  here,  my  man  ;  there's  no  use  of  your  being  exposed  for 
nothing:  you  had  better  go  below.'     '  If  you  please,  sir,'  says 
the  poor  fellow, '  if  I  can  do  nothing  else,  I  can  save  the 
time  of  a  better  man  and  sit  here  and  sound  the  pump." 
Well,  sir,  as  we  bore  down,  the  English   occasionally  tried 
our  distance  by  a  shot,  and  when  we  was  within  about  a  mile 
of  'em,  one   comes   ricochetting  across  the    water,  bounds 
over  the  bulwarks,  and  takes  that   man's  head  as  clean   off 
his  shoulders  as  if  it  had  been  done  with  his  own  broad-axe. 
I  have  hearn  say,  that '  every  bullet  has  its  billet,'  and  that  is 
sartin,  that  it's  no  use  to  dodge  a  shot,  for  if  you  are  des- 
tined to  fall  by  a  shot,  you  will  sartin  fall  by  that  same  shot; 
and  I  bear  in  mind  that  an  English   sailor,  one  of  our  pris- 
oners, told  me  that  in  a  ship  of  their'n  a  feller,  ai.  skulked  in 
the  cable-tier,  during  an  action  with  the  French,  was  found 
dead  with  a  spent  forty-two  resting  on  his  neck.     The  ball 
had  come  in  at  the  starn-port,  struck  one  of  the  beams  for'- 
ard,  and  tumbled  right  in  upon  him,  breaking  his  neck,  as  he 
lay  snugly  coiled  away  in  the  cable-tier.    No,  no ;  misfortms 


OLD  KENNEDY,   THE  QUARTER-MASTER 


59 


and  cannon  shot  is  very  much  alike;  there's  no  dodging; 
every  man  must  stand  up  to  his  work  and  take  his  chance ; 
if  they  miss,  he  is  ready  when  they  pipes  to  grog;  if  they  hit, 
the  purser's  book  is  squared  and  no  more  charges  is  scored 
ag'in  him. 

"  But,  as  I  was  saying,  it  wasn't  long  before  we  begun  to 
make  our  carronades  tell,  and  then  at  it  we  went,  hot  and 
heavy,  the  Lawrence  taking  the  lead,  engaging  the  Detroit ; 
and  every  vessel,  as  she  came  up,  obeying  orders  and  laying 
her  enemy  alongside  in  right  good  arnest,  except  the  Niag- 
ara. She  hung  back— damn  her !— with  her  jib  brailed  up 
and  her  main-topsail  to  the  mast ;  consequence  was,  the 
Charlotte,  as  was  her  opponent,  avails  herself  of  her  dis- 
tance, runs  up  close  under  the  starn  of  the  Detroit,  and 
both  ships  pours  their  combined  fire  into  our  ship,  the 
Lawrence.  I  hearn  the  master  myself,  and  afterwards  two 
or  three  of  the  other  officers,  go  up  to  the  Commodore  dur- 
ing the  action  and  call  his  attention  to  the  Niagara,  and  com- 
plain of  her  treacherous  or  cowardly  conduct.  Well,  them 
two  ships  gin  it  to  us  hot  and  heavy,  and  in  three  minutes  we 
was  so  enveloped  in  smoke,  that  we  only  aimed  at  the  flashes 
of  their  guns,  for  we  might  as  well  have  tried  to  track  a 
flock  of  ducks  in  the  thickest  fog  on  the  coast  of  Labrador, 
as  their  spars  or  hulls.  I  was  working  at  one  of  the  for'ard 
guns,  and  as,  after  she  was  loaded,  tho  captain  of  the  piece 
stood  waiting  with  the  trigger  lanyard  in  his  finger,  ready 
to  pull,  one  of  the  officers  calls  out,  '  I  say,  sir  ;  why  don't 
you  fire ?  '  'I  want  to  make  her  tell,  sir,'  says  the  gunner  ; 
'  I  am  waiting  for  their  flash— there  it  is  ; '  and  as  he  pulled 
trigger  a  cannon  shot  came  through  the  port  and  dashed 
him  to  pieces  between   us,  covering  me   and  the  officer  all 


m 


Hi   1' 


60  OLD  KENNEDY,   THE   QUARTER-MASTER 

over  with  his  brains.     Their  fire  was  awful,  the  whole  of  the 
shot  of  the  two  heaviest  ships  in  the  squadron  pouring  into 
us  nigh  on  two  hours  without  stopping.     Our  brig  became 
a  complete  slaughter-house  ;  the  guns  dismounted,  carriages 
knocked  to  pieces,  some   of  our  ports  knocked   into   one, 
hammock-netting  shot  clean  away,  iron  stancheons  twisted 
like  wire,  and  a  devilish  deal  more  dayhght  than   canvas  in 
our  bolt  ropes,  the  wounded  pouring  down  so  fast  into  the 
cockpit,  that  the  surgeons  didn't  pretend  to   do  more   than 
ap-ly  tourniquets  to  stop  the  bleeding,  and   many   of  the 
men  came  back  to  the  guns  in  that  condition,  while  others 
was  killed  in  the  hands  of  the  surgeons.     One   shot  came 
through  the  cockpit,  jistover  the  surgeon's  head,  and  killed 
midshipman  Laub,  who   was  coming  up  on   deck  with   a 
tourniquet  at  his  shoulder,  and  another  killed  a  seaman  who 
had  already  lost  both  arms.     Our  guns  was  nearly  all  dis- 
mounted,  and  finally  there  was  but  one  that  could  be  brought 
to  bear,  and  ;o  completely  was  the  crew  disabled,  that  the 
commodore  had  to  work  at  it  with   his  own  hands.     The 
men  became  almost  furious  with  despair,  as  they  found  them 
selves    made  the  target   for  the    whole  squadron,  and  the 
wounded  complained  bitterly  of  the  conduct  of  the  Niagara, 
as  they  lay  dying  on  the  decks  and   in  the   cockpit.     Two 
shots  passed  through  the  magazine,  one  knocked  the  lantern 
to  pieces  and  sent  the  lighted  wick  upon  the  floor,  and  it"  the 
gunner  hadn't  have   jumped  on  it   with  his   feet  before  it 
caught  the  loose  powder— my  eyes!  but  that 'ere  ship  and 
everything   on  board  would  have  gone   into  the   air   like   a 
sheaf  of  sky-rockets,  and  them  as  was  on  board   never  would 
have  know'd   which   side   whipped.     Out  of  one  hundred 
men  that  went  into  action,  eighty-three  were  either  killed  or 


OLD  KENNEDY,    THE  QUARTER-MASTER 


6l 


wounded,  and   every  officer  was  killed  or  hurt  except  the 
Commodore.     Our  lieutenant  of  marines,  Lieutenant  Brooks 

him  as  was   called  the   Boston   Apollo — the   handsomest 

man  in  the  sarvice,  was  cut  nearly  in  two  by  a  cannon  shot 
and  died  before  the  close  of  the  action. 

"  It  was  nigh  on  all  up  with  us.     The  men  was  real  grit 
though,  and  even  the  wounded  cried,  '  Blow  her  up,'  rather 
than  strike.     Well,  as  things  stood,  there  was  an  end  of  the 
Lawrence,  so   far  as  fighting  went, — and  our  Commodore 
says,  says  he,— '  Lieutenant  Yarnall,  the  American  flag  must 
not  be  pulled  down  over  my  head  this  day,  while  life  remains 
in  my  body  :    I  will  go  on  board  that  ship  and  bring  her  my- 
self into  action,  and  I  will  leave   it  to  you  to  pull  down  the 
Lawrence's  flag  if  there  is  no  help  for  it.'     So  we  got  our 
barge  alongside,  by  the  blessing  of  Heaven,  not  so  much  in- 
jured but  what  she'd  float,  and  off  we  pushed  for  the  Niag- 
ara—the Commodore  standing  with  his  motto-flag  under  his 
arm  ;  but  as  soon  as  the  enemy  caught  sight  of  us  they  de- 
livered a  whole  broadside  directly  at  the  boat,  and  then  pep- 
pered away  so  briskly,  that  the  water  all  around  us  bubbled 
like  a  duck-pond  in  a  thunder-shower.     There  Perry  stood, 
erect  and  proud,  in  the  starn  sheets,  his  pistols  strapped  in 
his  belt  and  his  sword  in  his  hand,  his  eyes  bent  upon  the 
Niagara,   as   if  he'd  jump  the  distance,  never  heeding  the 
shot  flying  around  him  like  hail.     The  men  begged  him  to  sit 
down ;  they  entreated  him  with  tears  in  their  eyes,  but  it  was 
not  until  I  dragged  him  down  by  main  force,  the   men  de- 
claring that  they  would  lay  upon  their  oars  and  be  taken,  that 
he  consented. 

"There's  them  as  says  the  Niagara  tvoiildnt  come  down, 
and  there's  them  as  savs  she  couldnt ;  all  I  know  is,  that  when 


{  ■{ 


% 


ill  i 

III 


'ill' 


62  OLD  KENNEDY,    THE   QUARTER-MASTER 

our  gallant  young  Commodore  took  the  quarter-deck,  she 
walked  down  into  the  thickest  of  it  quick  enough-my  eyes  ! 
how  we  did  give  it  to  'em,  blazing  away  from  both  sides  at 
once.  We  ran  in  between  the  Detroit  and  Charlotte,  our 
guns  crammed  to  the  muzzle,  and  delivered  both  of  our 
broadsides  into  them  at  the  same  time,  grape,  cannister  and 
all  raking  the  others  as  we  passed,  and   the  Nirgara  lads 


showed  it  wasn't  no  fault  of  their'n  that  they  hadn't  come 
earlier  to  their  work.  I  never  know M  guns  sarved  smarter, 
than  they  sarved  their'n,  till  the  eua  of  the  action,  nor  with 
better  effect.  We  soon  silenced  the  en.  my,  and  run  up  the 
stars  again  on  the  Lawrence  as  she  lay  a  complete  wrack, 
shattered  and  cut  up  among  them,  for  ail  the  world  like  a 
dead  whale  surrounded  by  shirks.    They  struck  one  a'fter 


OLD  KENNEDY,   THE  QUARTER-MASTER 


63 


another,  much  like  you  may  have  seen  the  flags  of  a  fleet 
run  down  after  the  evening  gun ;  and  as  the  firing  ceased, 
and  the  heavy  smoke-bank  rolled  off  to  leeward,  shiver  my 
timbers  !  but  it  was  a  sight  for  a  Yankee  tar  to  see,  the 
striped  bunting  slapping  triumphantly  in  the  breeze  over 
the  British  jacks  at  their  gaffs. 

"  If  there's  any  man,  tho',  as  says  that  their  Commodore 
wasn't  a  man,  every  inch  of  him,  aye  !  and  as  good  a  seaman, 
too,  as  ever  walked  a  caulked  plank,  there's  one  here,  and 
his  name  is  Bill  Kennedy,  as  will  tell  him  that  he's  a  know- 
nothing,  and  talks  of  a  better  man  nor  himself.     Aye,  aye ! 
scrape  the  crown  off  his  buttons,  and  he  might  mess  with 
Decatur  and    Lawrence,  and  splice   the   main-brace   with 
Stewart  and  Hull,  and  they  be  proud  of  his  company.     He 
was  badly  cut  up,  tho',  and  I  have  hearn  tell,  that  when  he 
got  home  to  England,  he  wouldn't  go  for  to  see  the  lady 
what  he'd  engaged  to  marry,  but  sent  her  word  by  a  friend, 
—I  don't  know  who  that  friend  was,  but  suppose  it  was  his 
first  lieutenant,  in  course— he  sends  her  word  that  he  wouldn't 
hold  her  to  her  engagement,  '  'cause  why,'  says  he,  '  I'm  all 
cut  to  pieces,  and  ain't  the  man  I  was  when  she  engaged  for 
to  be  my  wife.'     Well,  what  d'ye  think  the  noble  girl  says 
when  she  hearn  this  ?    '  Tell  him,'  says  she, '  as  long  as  there's 
enough  of  him  left  to  hold  his  soul,  I  will  be  his.'     I  say, 
Master  Tom,  that's  most  up  to  the  Virginny  gals.     Well, 
well,  there  never  was  but  one,  as  would  have  said  as  much 
for  Bill  Kennedy,  and    she,  poor   Sue,  she  married   curly- 
headed  Bob,  captain  of  the  main-top  in  the  Hornet,  in  a  pet, 
and  was  sorry  when  it  was  too  late.     She  was  a  good  girl, 
though,  and  I've  lent  her  and  her  young-ones  a  hand  once't 
or  twice  since  in  the  breaker? 


,1 


11 

il 


OLD   KENNEDY,   THE    QUARTER-MASTER. 

(Chesapeake  and  Shannon— Boat  Fight  on  Lake  Ontario.) 


No.  IV. 

WELL,  Mr.  Kennedy,"  says  Smith,  "  you  have  told  us 
of  your  victories— have  you  always  been  victori- 
ous ?     Have  you  always  had  the  luck  on  your  side  ? 
Where  did  you  lose  your  arm  ?"     The  old  man  took  a  long 
and  deliberate  survey  of  the  horizon  astern  of  us,  apparent- 
ly not  well  pleased  with  a  dark  cloud  just  beginning  to  lift 
itself  above  its  edge,  but  whatever  inferences  he  drew  from 
it  he  kept  to  himself,  and  having  relieved  his  mouth  from 
the  quid,  and  replenished  the  vacuum  by  a  fresh  bite  of  the 
pig-tail,  he  leisurely  tu,  led  to  us  again  and  replied  with 
some  emphasis :     "  Them  as  fights  the  English,  fights  men  ; 
and  though  its  been  my  luck  to  be  taken  twice  by   them, 
once't  in  aie  unlucky  Chesapeake,  and  once't  on  the  lakes, 
and  though    I  owes  the  loss  of   my  flipper  to  a   musket 
marked  G.  R.,  I  hopes  I  bears  them  no  more  grudge  than 
becomes  a  true  Yankee  sailor.     Now,  speaking  of  that,  I've 
always  observed,  since  the  war,  when  our  ships  is  in  the 
same  port,  that  however  much  we  always  fights  when  we 
falls  in  with  each  other,  that  the  moment  the  English  or 
Americans  gets  into  a  muss  with  the  French,  or  the  Dutch, 
or  the  Spaniards,  that  we  makes  common  cause  and  tumbles 


OLD  KENNEDY,   THE   QUARTER-MASTER 


65 


in  and  helps  one  another  But  I'm  blest !  but  that  Chesa- 
peake business  was  a  bad  affair.  They  took  the  ship.  Let 
them  have  the  credit  of  it,  say  I,  but  no  great  credit  neither; 
for  half  the  men  was  foreigners  in  a  state  of  mutiny  and 
none  of  the  men  know'd  their  officers.  I  hearn  Captain 
Lawrence  say  himself,  after  he  was  carried  below,  that  when 


he  ordered  the  bugle-man  to  sound  to  repel  boarders,  the 
cursed  Portuguese  was  so  frightened,  or  treacherous,  that  no 
sound  came  from  the  bugle,  though  his  cheeks  swelled  as 
if  in  the  act.  And  I  hearn  a  British  officer  say  to  one  of 
our'n,  that  Captain  Lawrence  owed  his  death  to  his  wearing 
a  white  cravat  into  action,  and  that  a  sharp-shooter  in  their 
tops  picked  him  off,  knowing  as  how  no  common  man 
would  be  so  dressedil    I  don't  complain  of  their  getting  the 


66 


OLD  KENNEDY,   THE   QUARTER-MASTER 


4iil| 


best  of  it,  for  that's  the  fortune  of  war,  but  they  behaved 
badly  after  the  colors  was  hauled  down.    They  fired  down 
the  hatches,  and,"  lifting  his  hat  and  exhibiting  a  seam  that 
measured  his  head  from  the  crown  to  the  ear,  "  I  received 
this  here  slash  from  the  cutlash  of  a  drunken  sailor,  for  my 
share,  as  I  came  up  the  main-hatch,  after  she   surrendered. 
My  eyes  !  all  the  stars  in  Heaven  was  dancing  before  me  as 
1  tumbled  back  senseless  on  the  gun-deck  below.  And  when 
they  brought  the  ship  mto  Halifax,  she  smelt  more  like  a 
slaughter-house  nor  a  Christian  man-of-war.     Howsomever, 
they  whipt  us,  and  there's  an  end  of  the  matter,  only  I  wish't 
our  gallant  Lawrence   might  have  died  before  the  colors 
come  down,  and  been  spared  the  pain  of  seeing  his  ship  in 
the  hands  of  the  enemy.     It  was  what  we  old  sailors  ex- 
pected, though.    She  was  an  unlucky  ship,  and  that  disgrace- 
ful  affair  between  her  and  the  Leopard  was  enough  to  take 
the  luck  out  of  any  ship.     Now,  if  it  had  been  old  "  Iron- 
sides,"* or  the  "Old  Wagor."t  I'm  blessed!  but  the  guns 
would  have  gone  off  themselves,  had  the  whole  crew  mu- 
tinied and  refused  to  come  to  quarters,  when  they  heard  the 
roar  of  the  British  cannon ;    aye,  aye,  Old  Ironsides'  bull- 
dogs have  barked  at  John  Bull  often  enough,  aye,  and  al- 
ways held  him  by  the  nose,  too,  when  they  growled ;  but 
the  Chesapeake's  colors  was  hauled  down,  while  the  Shan- 
non's was  flying.     That's  enough  ;  we  had  to  knock  under ; 
let  them  have  the  credit  of  it,  say  I.     They'd  little  cause, 
except  in  that  'ere  fight,  to   crow   over  the   Yankee   blue 
jackets.    They  whipt  us,  and  there's  an  end  to  the  matter, 
and  be  damned  to  'em.     But  that  ain't  answering  your  ques- 
tion, as  how  I  lost  my  larboard  flipper.     It  wasn't  in  that 
*  Frigate  Constitution.  t  Frigate  United  States. 


OLD  KENNEDY,   THE  QUARTER-MASTER 


67 


'ere  unfortunate  ship,  altho'  if  it  would  have  saved  the  honor 
of  the  flag,  Bill  Kennedy  would  willingly  have  given  his 
head  and  his  arms,  too  ;  but  it  was  under  Old  Chauncey  on 
Lake  Ontario.  It  was  in  a  boat  expedition  on  that  'ere  lake, 
that  I  first  got  a  loose  sleeve  to  my  jacket,  besides  being 
made  a  pris'ner  into  the  bargain.  You  see,  Sir  James  was 
shut  up  in  Kingston,  and  beyond  the  harbor  there  was  a 
long  bay  or  inlet  setting  up  some  three  or  four  miles.  Now, 
the  Commodore  thought  it  mought  be  there  was  more  of 
his  ships  in  that  same  bay ;  so  he  orders  Lieutenant  Gregory, 
him  as  the  English  called  the  *  Dare-devil  Yankee,'  the  same 
as  went  in  with  a  barge  the  year  before  and  burned  a  heavy 
armed  schooner  on  the  stocks,  with  all  their  stores,  and  came 
away  by  the  light  of  it  at — at — I  misremember  the  place — he 
orders  him  to  proceed  up  the  bay  to  reconn'iter,  to  see 
whether  there  was  any  of  the  enemy's  ships  at  anchor  there  > 
to  get  all  the  information  he  could  of  his  movements,  and 
to  bring  off  a  prisoner  if  he  could  catch  one,  that  the  Com- 
modore mought  overhaul  him'at  his  leisure.  So  the  lieuten- 
ant takes  a  yawl  as  we  had  captured  some  days  before,  hav- 
ing Sir  James's  own  flag  painted  upon  her  bows,  with  mid- 
shipman Hart,  and  eight  of  us  men,  and  pulls  leisurely  along 
shore,  till  we  made  the  entrance  of  the  bay.  It  was  a  bright 
summer  afternoon,  and  the  water  was  as  calm  as  the  Captain's 
hand-basin,  not  a  ripple  to  be  seen.  Well,  the  entrance  was 
narrow,  and  somewhat  obstructed  by  small  islands ;  but  we 
soon  got  through  them,  never  seeing  two  heavy  English 
men-of-war  barges,  as  was  snugly  stowed  in  the  bushes ;  but 
about  three  miles  up  we  spies  a  raft  of  timber,  with  two  men 
on  it.  We  gave  way,  and  before  long  got  up  abreast  of  it. 
When  we  got  close  aboard  the  raft,  the  lieutenant  hailing 


68 


OLD  KENNEDY,   THE  QUARTER-MASTER 


ifllll 


one  of  the  men,  calls  him  to  the  side  nearest  the  boat,  and 
says :  '  My  man,  what  are  you  lying  here  for,  doing  nothing? 
The  wind  and  tide  are  both  in  your  favor ;  don't  you  know 
we  are  waiting  down  at  Kingston  for  this  here  timber  for 
his  Majesty's  sarvice  ;  what  are  you  idling  away  your  time 
for  here  ?'      The  feller  first  looks  at  Sir  James's  flag  painted 
upon  the  bows  of  the  yawl,  and  then  at  the  lieutenant,  and 
then  again  at  the  flag,  and  then  at  the  lieutenant,  and  then 
opens   his  eyes,  and  looks  mighty  scarey,  without  saying 
anything,  with  his  mouth  wide  open.     '  I  say,'  says  the  lieu- 
tenant ag'in,  *  I  say,  you  feller  with  the  ragged  breeches,  do 
you  mean  to  swallow  my  boat  ?  Why  don't  you  answer ;  what 
the  devil  are  you  doing  here  ?'     The  feller  scratches  his  head, 
and  then  stammers,  '  I— I—/  know  you  ;    you  are  him  as 
burnt   Mr.    Peter's    schooner  last  year.'     'Well,'  says   the 
lieutenant,  '  what  are  you  going  todo  with  this  here  timber?' 
*  I'm  carrying  it  down  for  a  raising,'  says  he.     '  What !'  says 
the  lieutenant,  *  do  you  use  ship's  knees  and  transom  beams 
for  house-raising  in  this  part  of  the  country  ?     It  won't  do, 
my  man.     Bear  a  hand,  my  lads,  and  pile  all  the  boards  and 
light  stuff  in  the  centre,  and  we'll  make  a  bonfire  in  honor  of 
his  most  sacred  Majesty.'     So  we  set  fire  to  it,  and  took  the 
spokesman  on  board  the  yawl,  towing  the  other  man  in  their 
skiff  astarn,  intending  to  release  them  both  when  we  got  all 
the  information   we   wanted   out  of  them.     We   returned 
slowly  down  the  bay  again,  the  blazing  raft  making  a  great 
smoke ;  but  as  we  neared  the  outlet,  what  does  we  see,  but 
them  two  heavy  barges  pulling  down  to  cut  us  off.     We  had 
to  run  some  distance  nearly  parallel  with  them,  an  island  in- 
fpr^'^^in"-  CO  we  eve.rv  moment  came  nearer  to  them,  and 
soon  within  speaking  distance.    The  men  gave  way  hearty, 


OLD  KENNEDY,    THE  QUARTER-MASTER  69 

in  fear  of  an  English  prison,  but  as  we  came  nearer  each 
other,  some  of  the  officers  in  the  English  boats  recognizes 
Lieutenant  Gregory,  'cause  why,  they  had  been  prisoners 
with  us,  and  hails  him.  'Gregory,'  says  they,  'you  must 
submit,  it's  no  use  for  you  to  resist ;  we  are  four  to  your 
one.  Come,  old  feller,  don't  make  any  unnecessary  trouble, 
but  give  up  ;  you've  got  to  knock  under.'  The  lieutenant 
said  nothing,  but  he  was  a  particular  man,  and  had  his  own 
notions  upon  the  subject,  for,  bidding  the  men  give  way,  he 
coolly  draws  sight  upon  the  spokesman  with  his  rifle,  and 
most  sartin,  as  he  was  a  dead  shot,  there  would  have  been  a 
vacant  commission  in  His  Majesty's  Navy,  hadn't  the  rafts- 
man, who  was  frightened  out  of  his  wits,  caught  hold  of 
him  by  the  tails  of  his  coat  and  dragged  him  into  the  bottom 
of  the  boat.  The  lieutenant  drops  his  rifle,  and  catches  the 
feller  by  his  legs  and  shoulders  and  heaves  him  clear  off  the 
boat  towards  the  skiff,  while  we  men,  dropping  our  oars, 
gave  them  a  volley  with  our  muskets,  and  then  laid  down  to 
it  again.  We  had  taken  them  by  surprise,  but  as  we  dashed 
along  ahead,  they  returned  our  fire  with  interest,  peppering 
some  of  our  lads  and  killing  Midshipman  Hart  outright,  who 
merely  uttered  an  exclamation  as  his  oar  flew  up  above  his 
head,  and  fell  dead  in  the  bottom  of  the  boat.  Well,  we 
see'd  the  headmost  barge  all  ready,  lying  on  her  oars  and 
waiting  for  us,  and,  as  there  was  no  running  the  gauntlet 
past  her  fire,  we  made  for  another  opening  from  the  bay  as 
didn't  appear  to  be  obstructed,  but  as  we  nears  it,  and  just 
begins  to  breathe  free,  three  boats  full  of  lobsters  of  red- 
coats shoots  right  across,  and  closes  the  entrance  effectually 
on  that  side.  We  was  in  a  regular  rat-trap.  We  had  been 
seen  and  watched  from  the  moment  we  had  got  inside  of  the 


70 


OLD  KENNEDY,   THE   QUARTER-MASTER 


I  ill 


ii,ii 


bay,  burning  the  raft  and  all.  '  Well,  my  lads,'  says  the 
lieutenant,  '  this  will  never  do ;  we  must  go  about,  hug  the 
shore  close,  and  try  to  push  by  the  barges.'  So  about  we 
went,  but  as  we  neared  the  shore,  there  was  a  party  of  them 
'ere  riflemen  in  their  leggin's  and  hunting-shirts,  all  ready 
for  us,  waiting  just  as  cool  and  unconsarned  as  if  we  was  a 
parcel  of  Chrismas  turkeys,  put  up  for  them  to  shoot  at. 
'  Umph  ! '  says  the  lieutenant  again,  '  'twont  do  for  them  fel- 
lers  to  be  cracking  their  coach-whips  at  us  neither ;  we've 
nothing  to  do  for  it,  ray  boys,  but  to  try  our  luck,  such  as  it 
is,  with  the  barges.'  So,  as  we  pulled  dead  for  the  entrance 
of  the  bay,  they  lay  on  their  oars,  all  ready  for  us,  and  as 
we  came  up  they  poured  such  a  deadly  fire  into  that  'ere 
yawl  as  I  never  see'd  before  or  since.  There  was  nineteen 
wounds  among  eight  of  us.  The  lieutenant  was  the  only 
one  unhurt,  though  his  hat  was  riddled  through  and  through, 
and  his  clothes  hung  about  him  in  tatters.  How  he  was 
presarved,  is  a  miracle,  for  he  was  standing  all  the  while  in  the 
starn-sheets,  the  most  exposed  of  any  on  board.  They  kept 
firing  away,  as  if  they  intended  to  finish  the  business',  and 
gi'n  no  quarter,  the  men  doing  what  little  they  could  to  pull 
at  the  oars ;  but  a  boat  of  wounded  and  dying  men  couldn't 
make  much  headway.  Our  men  was  true  Yankee  lads,  tho', 
and  no  flinching. 

"  There  was  one  man  named  Patterson,  as  pulled  on  the 
same  thwart  with  me,  and,  of  all  the  men  I've  ever  sailed 
with,  he  showed  most  of  what  I  calls  real  grit.  At  their  first 
volley  he  gets  a  shot  through  his  thigh,  shattering  the  bone 
so  that  it  hung  twisted  over  on  one  side,  but  he  pulls  away 
at  his  oar  as  if  nothing  had  happened.  Presently  another 
passes  through  his  lungs  and  comes  out  at  his  back — still  he 


OLD  KENNEDY,   THE  QUARTER-MASTER 


71 


pulls  away  and  didn't  give  in;  at  last  a  third  takes  him 
thro  Ligh  the  throat  and  passes  out  back  of  his  neck ;  then, 
and  not  till  then,  did  he  call  out  to  the  lieutenant :  '  Mr. 
Gregory,  I'm  killed,  sir;  I'm  dead;  I  can't  do  no  more.' 
So  the  lieutenant  says :  *  Throw  your  oar  overboard,  Patter- 
son, and  slide  down  into  the  bottom  of  the  boat  and  make 
yourself  as  comfortable  as  you  can.'  Well,  what  does  Pat- 
terson do,  as  he  lays  in  the  bottom  of  the  boat  bleeding  to 
death,  what  does  he  do  but  lifts  his  arm  over  the  gunwale, 
and  shaking  his  fist,  cry :  '  Come  on,  damn  ye,  one  at  a  time, 
and  I'm  enough  for  ye  as  I  am.'  Aye,  aye,  Patterson  was 
what  I  calls  real  grit.  -  He  was  a  good,  quiet,  steady  man, 
too,  on  board  ship ;  always  clean  and  ac/jve,  and  cheerful 
in  obeying  orders.  Howsomever,  his  time  had  come,  and, 
in  course,  there  was  au  end  of  his  boat  duty  in  this  world. 

"  Well,  they  continued  to  fire  into  us  as  fast  as  they  could 
load,  'cause  why,  they  was  aggravated  th?*!  so  small  a  force 
should  have  fired  into  them  ;  but  the  lieutenant  takes  off  his 
hat  and  makes  a  low  bow  to  let  them  know  as  how  he  had 
surrendered,  and  then  directs  me  to  hold  up  an  oar's  blade ; 
but  they  takes  no  notice  of  either,  and  still  peppered  away  ; 
but  just  as  we  concludes  that  they  didn't  intend  to  give  no 
quarter,  but  meant  to  extarminate  us  outright,  they  slacks 
firing,  and,  taking  a  long  circuit,  as  if  we'd  have  been  a  tor- 
pedo or  some  other  dangerous  combustible,  pulled  up 
aboard.  There  wasn't  much  for  them  to  be  afeard  on, 
though,  for,  with  the  exception  of  the  lieutenant,  who  was 
untouched,  there  was  nothing  in  the  boat  but  dead  and 
wounded  men.  They  took  us  in  tow  and  carried  us  down 
to  Kingston,  and  mighty  savage  was  Sir  James.  He  said 
that  it  was  unpardonable  that  so  small  a  force  should  have 


Im 


m 


!1  '?f 


"J  I 
Hi 


T?^'    i; 


OLD  KENNEDY,    THE  QUARTER-MASTER 

attempted  resistance,  and  he  and  the  lieutenant  getting  high, 
and  becoming  aggravated  by  something;  as  was  said  between 
them.  Sir  James  claps  him  in  a  state-room  under  arrest,  and 
keeps  him  there  under  a  sentry,  with  a  drawn  baggonet,  for 
nigh  on  two  months.  After  that  he  sends  the  lieutenant  to 
Quebec,  and  then  to  England,  where  he  remained  till  the 
close  of  the  war;  but  them  of  us  men  as  didn't  die  of  our 

wounds  was  kept  down  in  Montreal  until "     Here  the 

old  man  broke  off  abruptly,  and  taking  another  long  look  at 
the  horizon,  said :  "  If  I  ain't  much  mistaken,  Master  Tom, 
there's  something  a-brewing  astarn  there  as  will  make  this 
here  craft  wake  up  as  if  she  was  at  the  little  end  of  a  funnel 
with  a  harricane  pouring  through  the  other ;  and  if  I  knows 
the  smell  of  a  Potomac  thundergust,  we'll  have  it  full  blast 
here  before  we're  many  minutes  older."  , 


THE   PARTISAN    LEGION. 


OLD  Kennedy  quietly  proceeded  to  make  the  necessary 
preparations  to  encounter  the  tempest.  His  peacoat 
was  got  out  of  the  locker  and  tightly  buttoned  about 
him,  and  his  tarpaulin  well  secured  by  its  lanyard  to  his 
buttonhole.  The  mainsail  and  foresail  were  stowed  and 
secured,  and  nothing  but  the  jib,  the  bonnet  of  which  was 
reefed  down,  was  allowed  to  remain  spread  upon  our  dark 
and  graceful  schooner. 

The  cloud  in  the  horizon  began  to  extend  itself,  increas- 
ing and  gradually  rising  and  covering  the  sky,  and  the  old 
man's  prediction  was  evidently  about  to  be  fulfilled.  A 
dead  calm  lay  upon  the  river,  and  a  preternatural  stillness 
clothed  in  a  sort  of  stupor  the  whole  face  of  nature  around 
us,  while  lov/  muttering  rolls  of  thunder  from  the  dark 
cloud,  and  the  frequent,  sudden,  crinkling  lightning,  glitter- 
ing across  its  surface,  warned  us  that  we  were  about  to 
encounter  one  of  those  violent  and  terrible  thunder-storms 
which  not  unfrequently  occur  in  this  part  of  the  country. 

The  distant  muttering  in  the  horizon  rapidly  became 
louder,  and  the  perfect  stillness  of  the  forest  was  broken. 
The  melancholy  sighs  of  the  coming  blast  increased  to 
wails,  the  boughs  of  the  trees  rubbed  against  each  other 
with  a  slow,  see-saw  motion,  and,  as  the  storm  increased, 
grated  with  a  harsh  and  continued  groaning.  The  lip-htning 
became  quick  and  incessant  and  blindingly  vivid,  and  the 


ili 


I 


74 


THE  PARTISAN  LEGION 


dark  gloom  of  the  forest  was  rendered  still  darker  by  its 
rapid  glare.  The  river  itself  soon  was  lashed  into  foam  be- 
hind  us,  and  in  a  few  moments  more,  accompanied  by  huge 
clouds  of  dust,  the  tempest  came  roaring  upon  us.  The  cu..- 
tivated  fields  and  cheerful  plantations  which  were  but  now 
smiling  in  quietness  and  repose  on  the  other  side  of  the 


Washington. 


Pickens. 


Morgan. 


Sumter. 
Lee. 

THE   PARTISAN   LFADERS   OF    THE   SOUTH. 

river,  were  new  instantly  shut  out  by  the  deep  gloom.  As 
the  gust  struck  the  schooner,  she  checked  for  a  moment  as 
if  in  surprise,  and  then  shot  forward  with  the  speed  of  an 
arrow  from  the  bow,  swept  on  in  the  furious  tempest  as  if  she 
had  been  a  gossamer  or  feather,  enveloped  in  dust  and 
darkness,  the  rain  and  hail  hissing  as  it  drove  onwards,  and 


THE  PARTISAN  LEGION 


75 


1^' 

I 


the  terrific  thunder,  now  like  whole  broadsides  of  artillery, 
now  quick  and  incessant  peals  of  musketry,  roaring  with 
frightful  violence  around  her,  while  the  deep  black  forest,  lit 
up  by  the  blue  lightning,  bellowed  incessantly  with  the  hol- 
low echoes.  As  we  swept  forward  with  frantic  swiftness, 
a  qui  ering  white  flash  struck  the  top  of  an  immense  oak, 
and  ere  the  crashing,  deafening  roar  of  the  thunder  followed, 
it  was  torn  and  splintered,  shivered  and  burning,  hurled  on 
by  the  blast. 

As  soon  as  the  squall  struck  us  we  ensconced  ourselves 
below,  in  full  confidence  of  our  safety  with  Old  Kennedy  at 
the  helm  ;  and  a  fine  subject  would  the  old  seaman  have 
been  for  a  painter,  as  he  sat  amid  the  fury  of  the  storm,  stern 
and  erect,  the  tiller  under  the  stump  of  his  left  arm,  and  the 
jib-sheets  with  one  turn  around  the  cleat  in  his  right  hand, 
the  usual  surly  expression  of  his  countenance  increased  into 
grim  defiance,  as  he  steadily  and  unmovingly  kept  his  eyes 
fixed  into  the  gloom  ahead.  At  one  time  we  darted  by  a 
sloop  at  anchor,  which  had  let  go  everything  by  the  run,  her 
sails  over  her  side  in  the  water,  on  which,  if  the  yacht  had 
struck,  she  would  have  been  crumpled  up  like  a  broken  egg- 
shell :  but  thanks  to  our  old  quarte;  master's  care,  v/e  dashed 
by  iii  the  gloom,  his  r^es  never  even  for  a  moment  turning 
on  her  as  we  passed. 

The  storm  swept  us  on  in  its  fury  for  some  time,  ^vhen  it 
gradually  abated  in  violence  and  began  to  subside.  The 
heavy  clouds,  flying  higher  and  higher  in  detached  masses  in 
the  heavens,  bye  and  bye  lifted  themselves  in  the  western  sky, 
and  through  the  ragged  intervals  the  setting  sun  poured  his 
last  rays  over  the  dripping  forest,  bronzing  the  dark  sides  of 
our  little  schooner  as  he  sunk  and  disappeared  beneath  the 


\ 


1 1 


I      i-t 


76  THE  PARTISAN  LEGION 

horizon.  As  the  evening  wore  on,  a  star  here  and  there  dis- 
covered itself  struggling  amid  the  scud  flying  over  it,  and 
preseritly  the  moon  shone  out  with  her  broad  and  silver 
light,  and  every  vestige  of  the  storm  had  disappeared. 

As  we  glided  gaily  on,  with  a  fresh,  fine  breeze,  towards 
our  cottage  home  past  the  deep  forest,  the  silence  was  broken 
by  a  long,  melancholy  howl,  which  I  supposed  was  that  of  a 
solitary  wolf,  but  Smith  said  that  it  was  more  probably  from 
some  one  of  the  large  breed  of  dogs  which  are  found  on 
most  of  the  plantations.     Smith's  mind  was  of  a  sad  and  pen- 
sive, although  not  at  all  of  a  gloomy  cast;  and,  like  most 
men   of  that   character,  he  required  strong  excitement  to 
arouse  him  ;  but  when  aroused,  of  all  delightful  companions 
that  I  have  ever  met,  he  was  the  man.     The  excitement  of 
the  storm  had  been  sufficient  stimulus,  and,  giving  the  reins 
to  his  wild  spirits  and  excited    feelings,  he  entertained  us 
with  an  incessant  stream  of  anecdote  and  adventure.     The 
howl  of  the  wolf  had  recalled  to  mind  an  incident  in  the 
life  of  his  ancestor,  and,  in  connection,  he  related  it,  with 
many  other  adventures  of  the  celebrated  Partisan  Legion. 
I  will    not  attempt  to   use  his  beautiful  and  spirit-stirring 
language,  but  will  confine  myself  to  a  few  disjointed  anec- 
dotes of  the  many   which  he  related  of  the  dashing  corps, 
as  they  happen  to  recur  to  my  memory. 

The  Legion,  intended  to  act  independently  or  conjointly 
with  the  main  army,  as  circumstances  might  require,  com- 
posed of  three  companies  of  infantry  and  three  troops  of 
cavalry,  amounting  in  all  to  three  hundred  and  fifty  men, 
had  won  for  itself  in  the  Southern  campaigns,  and  particu- 
larly in  the  masterly  retreat  of  Green,  before  Corn  wallis,  the 
honorable  distinction  of  being  called  "  the  eye  of  the  South- 


THE  PARTISAN  LEGION 


77 


ern  army."  Its  colonel,  Green's  confidential  adviser  and 
constant  friend,  a  stern  disciplinarian,  was  nevertheless  be- 
loved by  his  officers  and  men,  and  so  careful  was  he  of  the 
interests  of  the  latter,  that  while  the  rest  of  the  army  were 
suffering,  the  Legion  by  his  exertions  was  always  retained 
in  the  highest  state  of  personal  appearance  and  discipline. 
The  horses  were  powerful  and  kept  in  high  condition ;  in- 
deed, he  has  been  accused  of  being  more  careful  for  their 


safety  than  for  that  of  his  men.  The  cavalry  in  the  British 
army,  mounted  on  inferior  horses,  could  not  stand  a  moment 
before  them ;  and,  armed  with  their  long  heavy  sabres,  the 
Legion  troopers  were  considered  full  match  for  double  the 
force  of  the  enemy. 

The  Legion  infantry  were  well  equipped,  and  thoroughly 
disciplined  men,  and  acted  in  unison  with  the  cavalry.  They 
were  commanded  by  Captain  Michael  Rudolph,  a  man  of 


• 


I 


Ill 


78 


THE  PARTISAN  LEGION 


small  stature,  but  of  the  most  determined  and  daring  cour- 
age.  and  of  great  physical  strength.     He  always  led  m  per- 
son   the  ''forlorn  hope,"  when  the  Legion's  services  were 
required  in  the  storm  of  posts,  and  he  was  so  completely  the 
idol  of  his  men,  that  it  was  only  necessary  that  he  should 
be  detailed  on  duty  of  the  most  desperate  character,  that  the 
infantry,  to  a  man,  were  anxious  to  be  engaged  m  it.     1  he 
leading  captain  of  the  cavalry,  James  Armstrong,  was  almost 
precisely  his  counterpart  in  person,  in  strength,  in  undaunted 
courage  and  heroic  daring,  beloved  by  his  men,  ahead  of 
whom  he  was  always  found  in  the  charge.    O'Neal,  also  of  the 
cavalry,  was  a  bold  and  gallant  man,  who  fought  his  way 
up  from  the  ranks  ;  for  no  carpet  knight  had  consideration 
in  the  corps.     In  an  early  part  of  his  career  he  came  near 
cutting  off  in  the  bud  Cornwallis'  favorite  cavalry  officer, 
Lieutenant-Colonel  Tarleton ;  for  this  officer,  whatever  his 
merits  or  demerits,  endeavored  to  enter  a  window  at  which 
O'Neal  was  posted,  when  the  latter,  dropping  his  carabine, 
snapped  it  within  an  inch  of  his  head,  but  the  piece  missing 
fire,  Tarleton  very  coolly  looked  up  at  him  with  a  smile 
and  said,  "  You  have  missed  it  for  this  time,  my  lad,"  and 
wheeling  his  horse,  joined  the  rest  of  his  troop,  who  were 

on  the  retreat. 

It  were  perhaps  difficult  to  select  the  brave  from  a  body 
of  men  who  were  all  brave,  but  it  is  not  invidious  to  say 
that  there  was  not  a  man  of  more  fearless  courage  in  the 
corps  than  Lieutenant  Manning  of  the  Legion  infantry.  At 
the  battle  of  Eutaw,  commanding  his  platoon  to  charge,  he 
rushed  on  in  his  usual  reckless  manner,  without  stopping  or 
looking  behind  him,  until  he  was  brought  up  by  a  large 
stone-house,  into  which  the  Royal  York  Volunteers,  under 


THE  PARTISAN  LEGION  yg 

Lieutenant-Colonel  Cruger,  were  retiring.  The  British  were 
on  all  sides,  and  no  American  soldier  within  two  hundred 
yards  of  him.  Without  a  moment's  hesitation,  he  threw 
himself  upon  a  British  officer,  and  seizing  him  by  the  collar, 
wrested  his  sword  from  his  grasp,  exclaiming,  in  a  harsh 
voice,  "You  are  my  prisoner,  sir."  Interposing  him  be- 
tween  the  enemy  and  himself,  as  a  shield  from  the  heavy  fire 
pouring  from  the  windows,  he  then  very  coolly  and  deliber- 
ately backed  out  of  danger.  The  prisoner,  who  was  not 
deemed  by  his  brother  officers  a  prodigy  of  valor,  pomp- 
ously enumerating  his  rank  and  titles,  which  Manning  occa- 
sionally interrupted  with :  "  You  are  right — you  are  right — 
you're  just  the  man,  sir.  You  shall  preserve  me  from  dan- 
ger, and  rest  assured  I'll  take  good  care  o(  jfou." 

Manning  had  retreated  some  distance  from  the  house 
when  he  saw  his  friend.  Captain  Joyett,  of  the  Virginia  line, 
engaged  in  single  combat  with  a  British  officer.  The  Ameri- 
can was  armed  with  a  sword,  while  the  Briton  was  defend- 
ing himself  with  a  bayonet.  As  the  American  approached, 
the  Englishman  made  a  thrust  with  the  bayonet,  which 
Joyett  successfully  parried  with  his  sword,  when  both  of 
them  dropping  their  arms  which  they  could  not  wield  in  so 
close  an  encounter,  simultaneously  clinched,  and  being  men 
of  great  and  nearly  equal  bodily  strength,  they  were  soon 
engaged  in  a  desperate  and  deadly  struggle.  While  thus 
engaged,  an  English  grenadier,  seeing  the  danger  of  his 
officer,  ran  up  and  with  his  bayonet  made  a  lunge,  which 
luckily  missing  Joyett's  body,  passed  only  through  the 
skirts  of  his  coat,  but  the  bayonet  becoming  entangled  in  the 
'  folds,  upon  its  withdrawal  dragged  both  of  the  combatants 
together  to  the  ground.     The  soldier  having  disengaged  it, 


'I 


it)  Ml  li 


8o 


THE  PARTISAN  LEGION 


IS       r 


i        !! 


was  about  deliberately  to  transfix  Joyett  by  a  second  thrust, 
when  Manning,  seeing  the  danger  of  his  friend,  without  be- 
ino-  sufficiently  near  in  the  crisis  to  assist  him,  called  out, 
as\e  hurried  up,  in  an  authoritative  tone,  ''  You  would  not 
murder  the  gentleman,  you   brute!"     The  grenadier  sup- 
posing himself  addressed  by  one  of  his  own  officers,  sus- 
pended    the    contemplated    blow   and   turned  towards  the 
speaker,  but  before  he  could   recover   from    his  surprise, 
Manning  cut  him   across  the  eyes  with   his  sword,  while 
Joyett,  disengaging  himself  from  his  opponent,  snatched  up 
the  musket,  and  with  one  blow  laid  him  dead  with  the  butt, 
the  valiant  prisoner   whom   Manning   had  dragged  along, 
and  who  invariably  asserted  that  he  had  been  captured  by 
"  Joyett,  a  huge  Virginian,"  instead  of  Manning,  who  was  a 
small  man,  standing  a  horror-struck  spectator  of  the  tragedy. 
An  equally  brave  man  was  Sergeant  Ord,  of  Manning's  com- 
pany.     In  the  surprise  of  the  British  at  Georgetown,  when 
a  company  of  the  Legion  infantry  had  captured  a  house  with 
its  enclosures,  the  enemy  made  an  attempt  to  regain  it,  the 
commanding  officer  calling  out  to  his  men:  "  Rush  on,  my 
brave  fellows ;  they  are  only  militia,  and  have  no  bayonets." 
Ord  placing  himself  in  front  of  the  gate  as  they  attempted 
to  enter,  laid  six  of  them  in   succession  dead  at  his  feet, 
accompanying  each  thrust  with,  "Oh!  no  bayonets  here- 
none,  to  be  sure! "  following  up  his  strokes  with  such  rapid- 
ity that  t^  e  party  were  obliged  to  give  up  the  attempt  and 

retire. 

But  perhaps  there  could  have  been  no  two  characters  in 
the  corps  more  the  perfect  antipodes  of  each  other  than  the 
two  surgeons  of  the  cavalry,  Irvine  and  Skinner,  for  while 
Irvine  was  entirely  regardless  of  his  person,  and  frequently 


THE  PARTISAN  LEG  ION 


8i 


jund  enga<red  sword  in  hand,  in  the  thickest  of  the  fight, 
where  his  duty  by  no  means  called  him,  Skinner  was  as  in- 
variably found  in  the  rear,  cherishing  his  loved  person  from 
the  threatened  danger.  Indeed,  he  was  a  complete  counter, 
part  of  old  F  ilstaff — the  same  fat  and  rotund  person,  the  same 
lover  of  good  cheer  and  good  wine,  and  entertaining  the 


same  aversion  to  exposing  his  dear  body  to  the  danger  of 
missiles  or  cuts  ;  not  only  was  he  a  source  of  fun  in  himself, 
"  but  he  war,  the  cause  of  it  in  others."  He  asserted  that  his 
business  was  in  the  rear — to  cure  men,  not  to  kill  them  ;  and 
when  Irvine  was  wounded  at  the  charge  of  Quinby's  bridge, 
he  refused  to  touch  him  until  he  had  dressed  the  hurts  of 
the  meanest  of  the  soldiers,  saying  that  Matthew  Irvine  was 


•III 


IMAGE  EVALUATION 
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Sciences 
Corporation 


23  WEST  MAIN  STREET 

WESSTER.N.^.  1-)S80 

(716)  872-4503 


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ri,y 


82 


THE  PARTISAN  LEGION 


served  perfectly  right,  and  had  no  business  to  be  engaged 
out  of  his  vocation. 

At  the  night  alarm  at  Ninety-six,  the  Colonel,  hasten- 
ing forward  to  ascertain  the  cause,  met  the  doctor  in 
full  retreat,  and,  stopping  him,  addressed  him  with:  "  Where 
so  fast,  doctor?  Not  frightened,  I  hope  ?"  "  No,  Colonel," 
replied  Skinner,  "  not  frightened ;  but,  I  confess,  most 
infernally  alarmed."  His  eccentricities  extended  not  alone 
to  his  acts,  but  to  everything  about  him.  Among  other 
peculiarities,  he  wore  his  beard  long  and  unshorn,  and 
on  being  asked  by  a  brother  officer  why  he  did  so,  he 
replied :  "  That  is  a  secret  between  Heaven  and  myself, 
which  no  human  impertinence  shall  ever  penetrate."  Like 
Falstaff,  and  with  similar  success,  he  considered  himself  the 
admired  of  the  fair  sex.  "Ay,"  said  he  to  Captain  Carnes  of 
the  infantry ;  "Ay,  Carnes,  I  have  an  sye  !  "  Yet  Skinner  was 
by  no  mean«=  a  man  to  be  trifled  with,  for  he  was  not  devoid 
of  a  certain  sort  of  courage,  as  he  had  proved  in  half  a  dozen 
duels,  in  one  of  which  he  had  killed  his  man.  When  asked 
how  it  was,  that  he  was  so  careful  of  his  person  in  action, 
when  he  had  shown  so  plainly  that  he  was  not  deficient  in 
courage,  he  replied :  "  I  consider  it  very  arrogant  in 
a  surgeon,  whose  business  it  is  to  cure,  to  be  aping  the 
demeanor  and  duty  of  a  commissioned  officer,  and  I 
am  no  more  indisposed  to  die  than  other  gentlemen,  but 
have  an  utter  aversion  to  the  noise  and  tumult  of 
battle;  it  stuns  and  stupefies  me."  On  one  occasion,  when 
the  Legion  was  passing  through  a  narrow  defile,  the 
center  was  alarmed  by  the  drums  of  :!ie  infantry  beating  to 
arms  in  front.  Skinner,  with  the  full  sense  of  what  was  due 
to  himself,  whirled  about,  and  giving  his  horse  a  short  turn 


THE  PARTISAN  LEGION    '  g, 

by  the  bridle,  brought  him  down  on  his  back  in  the  middle 
of  the  defile,  completely  blocking  it  up  and  preventing  either 
egress  or  ingress,  relief  or  retreat.  The  mfantry  and  cavalry, 
virhich  had  passed  the  gorge,  immediately  deployed  on  the 
hill  in  front,  while  the  remainder  of  the  Legion,  galloping 
up,  were  completely  severed  by  this  singular  and  unexpected 
obstruction,  until  Captain  Egglestone,  dismounting  some  of 
his  strongest  troopers,  succeeded  in  dragging  the  horse  out 
of  the  defile  by  main  force.  It  turned  out  that  the  alarm 
was  false,  otherwise  the  doctor's  terror  might  have  caused 
the  destruction  of  one-half  of  the  corps. 

But  to  recur  to  the  incident  brought  to  mind  by  the  howl- 

ing  of  the  wolf.     When  the  Legion  was  on  its  march  to  form 

a  junction  with  Marion,  on  the  little  Pedee,  it  one  night 

encamped  in  a  large  neld  on  the  southern  side  of  a  stream, 

with  the  main  road  in  front.     The  night  passed  on  very 

quietly,  until  about  two  or  three  in  the  morning,  when  the 

officer  of  the  day  reported  that  a  strange  noise  had  been 

heard  by  the  picket  in  front,  on  the  great  road,  resembling 

the  noise  of  men  moving  through  the  adjoining  swamp. 

While  he  was  yet  speaking,  the  sentinel  in   that  quarter 

fired   his  piece,  which  was  immediately  followed   by  the 

bugle  calling  in  the  horse  patrols,  the  invariable  custom 

upon   the  approach  of    an  enemy.     The  drums  instantly 

beat  to  arms,  and  the  troops  arranged  for  defence.     The 

sentries,  on  being  questioned,  all  concurred  in   the  same 

account,  "  and  one  patrol  of  horse  asserted  that  they  had 

heard   horsemen   concealing   with  the  greatest  care  their 

advance."     The  commander   was  in  great  perplexity,  for 

he  knew  that  he  was  not  within  striking  distance  of  any 

large  body  of  the  enemy,  and  that  Marion  was  at  least  two 


84 


THE  PARTISAN  LEGION 


II 


it 


' 


;    1 


days'  distance  in  advance ;  but  soon  a  sentinel  in  another 
direction  fired,  and  the  same  report  was  brought  in  from 
him  ;  and  it  was  apparent,  however  unaccountable,  that  the 
enemy  was  present.  A  rapid  change  in  the  formation  of  the 
troops  was  made  to  meet  the  attack  in  this  quarter,  but  it 
was  hardly  accomplished  before  the  fire  of  a  third  sentinel, 
in  a  different  direction,  communicated  the  ititelligence  of 
danger  from  another  quarter.  Feelings  of  intense  anxiety 
were  now  aroused,  and  preparations  were  made  for  a  gen- 
eral assault,  as  soon  as  light  should  allow  it  to  be  made. 
The  pickets  and  sentinels  held  their  stations,  the  horse 
patrols  were  called  in,  and  the  corps  changed  its  position 
in  silence,  and  with  precision,  upon  every  new  communica- 
tion, with  the  combined  object  of  keeping  the  fires  between 
them  and  the  enemy,  and  the  horse  in  the  rear  of  the  in- 
fantry. 

While  thus  engaged,  another  and  rapid  discharge  by  the 
sentinels,  on  the  line  of  the  great  road,  plainly  indicated 
that  the  enemy  were  in  force,  and  that,  with  full  understand- 
ing of  their  object,  they  had  surrounded  them.  It  was  also 
evident  that  there  must  be  a  large  body  of  the  enemy,  from 
covering  so  large  a  segment  ot  the  circle  around  them.  It 
was  equally  apparent  that  they  could  expect  no  aid  from 
any  quarter,  and,  relying  upon  themselves,  the  corps  await- 
ed, in  extreme  anxiety,  the  scene  which  the  day  was  to  usher 
upon  them. 

The  commander  passed  along  the  line  of  infantry  and 
cavalry,  in  a  low  tone  urging  upon  them  the  necessity  of  pro- 
found silence,  reminding  them  that  in  the  approaching  contest 
they  must  sustain  their  high  reputation,  and  expressing  his 
confidence,  that,  with  their  accustomed  bravery,  they  would 


THE  PARTISAN  LEGION 


85 


be  able  to  cut  their  way  through  all  opposing  obstacles,  and 
reach  the  Pedee.  His  address  was  answered  by  whispers 
of  applause,  and  having  formed  the  cavalry  and  infantry 
into  two  columns,  he  awaited  anxiously  the  break  of  day,  to 
give  the  signal  for  action.  It  soon  appeared,  and  the  col- 
umns advanced  on  the  great  road  ;  infantry  in  front,  baggage 
in  the  center,  and  cavalry  in  the  rear.  As  soon  as  the  head 
of  the  column  reached  the  road,  the  van  officer,  proceeding 
a  few  hundred  yards,  received  the  same  account  that  had 
been  given  from  the  sentinel  that  had     red  last. 

The  enigma  remained  unexplained,  and  no  enemy  being 
in  view,  there  could  be  but  little  doubt  that  the  attack  was 
to  be  from  ambushmen^  and  the  column  moved  slowly  on, 
expecting  every  moment  to  receive  their  fire.  But  the  van 
officer's  attention  having  been  accidentally  attracted,  he 
examined,  and  found  along  the  road  the  tracks  of  a  large 
pack  of  wolves.  The  mystery  was  now  solved  ;  it  was  evi- 
dent that  the  supposed  enemy  was  no  other  than  the  pack 
of  wild  beasts,  which,  turned  from  their  route  by  the  fire  of 
the  sentinels,  had  passed  still  from  point  to  point  in  a  wide 
circuit,  bent  upon  the  attainment  of  their  object.  A  quan- 
tity of  provisions  had  been  stored  some  time  previously  on 
their  line  of  march,  but  having  become  spoiled,  it  was  aban- 
doned in  the  vicinity  of  the  night's  encampment,  and  the 
wolves  had  been  disturbed  by  the  videttes,  in  the  nightly 
progress  to  their  regale.  The  agitation  instantly  subsided, 
and  wit  and  merriment  flashed  on  all  sides,  "  every  one  ap- 
pearing anxious  to  shift  the  derision  from  himself  upon  his 
neighbor,  the  commandant  himself  coming  in  for  his  share  ; 
and  as  it  was  the  interest  of  the  many  to  fix  the  stigma  on 
the  few,  the  corps  unanimously  charged  the  officer  of  the 


86 


THE  PARTISAN  LEGION 


day,  the  guards,  the  patrols  and  pickets,  with  gross 
stupidity,  hard  bordering  upon  cowardice  ;"  nevertheless, 
they  were  none  the  less  relieved  by  the  happy  termina- 
fion  of  an  adventure  attended  by  so  many  circumstances 
naturally  alarming,  and  it  long  passed  as  an  excellent  joke 
in  the  Legion,  under  the  title  of  the  "  Wolf  reconnoiter. 

The  music  sounded  merrily,  and  the  column  marched  on, 
elate  with  the  fun  and  novelty  of  the  adventure ;  and  of  the 
buglers,  none  blew  a  more  cheery  strain  than  httle  Jack 
Ellis,  the  bugler  of  Armstrong's  troop.     He  was  a  fine  boy, 
small  and  intelligent,  as  well  as  young  and  handsome,  and  a 
general  favorite  in  the  Legion.     Poor  little  fellow !  he  met 
his  death  under  circumstances  peculiarly  tragic  and  cruel, 
not  long  after.     When  the  Southern  army,  under  Greene, 
was  slowly  making  its  masterly  retreat  before  Cornwallis, 
the  Legion  formed  part  of  the  rear-guard,  and  was  conse- 
quently  almost  continually  in  sight  of  the  van  of  the  enemy, 
commanded  by  Brigadier-General  O'Hara.    The  duty  de- 
volving  upon  it,  severe  in  the  day,  was  extremely  so  in  the 
night,  for  numerous    patrols  and  pickets  were  constantly 
required  to  be  on  the  alert,  to  prevent  the  enemy  from 
taking  advantage  of  the  darkness  to  get  near  the  main  army 
by  circuitous  routes,  so  that  one-half  of  the  troops  of  the 
rear-guard  were  alternately  put  on  duty  day  and  night,  and 
the  men  were  not  able  to  get  more  than  six  hours'  sleep  out 
of  the  forty-eight.     But  the  men  were  in  fine  spirits,  not- 
withstanding the  great  fatigue  to  which  they  were  subject- 
ed.    They  usually,  at  the  break  of  day,  hurried  on,  to  gain 
as  great  a  distance  in  advance  as  possible,  that  they  might 
secure  their  breakfast,  the  only  meal  during  the  rapid  and 
hazardous  retreat.    One  drizzly  and  cold  morning,  tho  offi- 


THE  PARTISAN  LEGION  $7 

cers  and  dragoons,  in  pursuance  of  this  custom,  had  hurried 
on  to  the  front,  and  just  got  their  corn  cakes  and  meat  on 
the  coals,  when  a  countryman,  mounted  on  a  small  and 
meager  pony,  came  galloping  up,  and  hastily  asking  for  the 
commanding  officer,  informed  him  that  the  British  col- 
umn, leaving  the  main  line  of  march,  were  moving  obliquely 
in  a  different  direction,  and  that,  discovering  the  manoeuvre 
from  a  field  where  he  v/as  burning  brush,  he  had  run  home, 
caught  the  first  horse  ne  could  lay  his  hands  upon,  and  hur- 
ried along  with  the  information.  Unwilling  to  believe  the 
report  of  the  countryman,  although  he  could  not  well  doubt 
it,  and  reluctant  to  disturb  so  materially  the  comfort  of  the 
men  as  to  deprive  them  of  the  breakfast  for  which  they 
were  waiting  with  keen  appetites,  the  commander  ordered 
Captain  Armstrong  to  take  one  section  of  horse,  accompan- 
ied by  the  countryman,  to  return  on  the  route,  and  having 
reconnoitered,  to  make  his  report. 

Circumstances,  however,  strengthening  him  in  the  belief 
that  the  information  of  the  countryman  was  correct,  he  took 
a  squadron  of  cavalry  and  followed  on  to  the  support  of 
Armstrong,  whom  he  overtook  at  no  great  distance  ahead. 
Perceiving  no  sign  of  the  enemy,  he  again  concluded  that 
the  countryman  was  mistaken.  He  therefore  directed  Arm- 
strong to  take  the  guide  and  three  dragoons,  and  to  advance 
still  further  on  the  road,  while  he  returned  with  the  squad- 
ron to  finish  their  breakfast.  The  countryman,  mounted  on 
his  sorry  nag,  protested  against  being  thus  left  to  take  care 
of  himself,  asserting  that,  though  the  dragoons  on  their  spir- 
ited and  powerful  horses  were  sure  of  safety,  it  pursued,  he, 
on  his  jaded  hack,  was  equally  sure  of  being  taken.  The 
Colonel  acknowledged  the  danger  of  the  friendly  guide,  dis- 


88 


THE  PARTISAN  LEGION 


mounted  the  little  bugler,  and  giving  the  countryman  his 
horse,  placed  Ellis  upon  the  hack,  sending  him  on  in 
front  'lO  report  to  the  commanding  officer.  After  having 
returned  a  short  distance,  the  squadron  entered  the  woods 
on  the  roadside,  and  the  dragoons  leisurely  proceeded  to 
finish  their  breakfast;  but  they  had  hardly  got  it  out  of  their 
haversacks  when  a  firing  of  musketry  was  heard,  and,  almost 
immediately  after,  the  clatter  of  horses'  hoofs  coming  on  at 
full  gallop.  The  next  moment,  Armstrong,  with  his  dragoons 
and  the  countryman,  came  in  sight,  pursued  by  a  troop  of 
Tarleton's  dragoons  at  the  top  of  their  speed. 

The  commander  saw  Armstrong  with  his  small  party 
well  in  front  and  hard  in  hand,  and  felt  no  anxiety  about 
them,  as  he  knew  that  their  horses  were  so  superior  to  those 
of  the  enemy  that  they  were  perfectly  safe,  but  the  danger 
of  the  bugler,  who  could  be  but  little  ahead,  immediately 
caused  him  serious  uneasiness.  Wishing,  however,  to  let  the 
British  squadron  get  as  far  from  support  as  possible,  he  con- 
tinued in  the  woods  for  a  few  moments,  intending  to  inter- 
pose in  time  to  save  the  boy.  Having  let  them  get  a  suffi- 
cient distance,  and  assuring  himself  that  there  was  nothing 
coming  up  to  their  support,  he  put  the  squadron  in  motion 
and  appeared  on  the  road,  but  only  in  time  to  see  the  enraged 
dragoons  overtake  and  sabre  the  poor  little  suppliant,  as 
he  in  vain  implored  for  quarter.  Infuriated  at  the  sight,  he 
gave  orders  to  charge,  and  the  English  officer  had  barely 
time  to  form,  when  the  squadron  was  upon  them  like  a  whirl- 
wind, killing,  prostrating  and  unhorsing  almost  the  whole  of 
the  force  in  an  instant,  while  the  captain  and  the  few  left  un- 
hurt endeavored  to  escape.  Ordering  Lieutenant  Lewis  to 
follow  on  in  pursuit,  with  strict  orders  to  give  no  quarter^ 


THE  PARTISAN  LEGION 


89 


an  order  dictated  by  the  sanguinary  act  that  they  had  just 
witnessed,  the  commander  placed  the  dying  boy  in  the  arms 
of  two  of  the  dragoons,  directing  them  to  proceed  onwards 
to  the  camp,  and  immediately  after  pushed  on  to  the  support 
of  Lewis,  whom  he  soon  met  returning  with  the  English  cap- 
tain and  several  of  his  dragoons,  prisoners,  the  officer  unhurt, 
but  the  men  severely  cut  in  the  face,  neck  and  shoulders. 
Reprimanding  Lewis  on  the  spot  for  disobedience  of  orders, 
he  peremptorily  charged  the  British  officer  with  the  atrocity 
that  they  had  just  witnessed,  and  ordered  him  to  prepare  for 
instant  death.     The  oificer  urged  that  he  had  in  vain  en- 
deavored  to  save  the  boy,  that  his  dragoons  were  intoxicated 
and  would  not  obey  his  orders,  and  he  begged  that  he  might 
not  be  sacrificed,  stating  that  in  the  slaughter  of  Lieutenant- 
Colonel  Buford's  command  he  had  used  the  greatest  exer- 
tions, and   succeeded  in  saving  the  lives  of  many  of  the 
Americans.    This  in  some  measure  mollified  the  commander, 
but  just  then  overtaking  the  speechless  and  dying  boy,  ex- 
piring in  the  arms  of  the  soldiers,  his  bright  and  handsome 
face  changed  in  the  ghastly  agony  of  death,  he  returned 
with  unrelenting  sternness  to  his  first  decision,  and  informed 
the  Englishman  that  he  should  execute  him  in  the  next  vale 
through  which  they  were  to  pass,  and,  furnishing  him  with 
a  pencil  and  paper,  desired  him  to  make  such  note  as  he 
wished   to   his  friends,   which   he  pledged   him   his  word 
should  be  sent  to  the  British  General.    The  ill-fated  soldier 
proceeded  to  write,  when  the  British  van  approaching  in 
sight,  the  prisoner  was  sent  on  to  Colonel  Williams  in  front, 
who,  ignorant  of  the  murder  and  the  determination  to  make 
an  example  of  him,  in  his  turn  forwarded  him  on  to  head- 
quarters, thus  luckily  saving  his  life.    Eighteen  of  the  Brit- 


i 


90 


THE  PARTISAN  LEGION 


\ 


ish  dragoons  fell  in  the  charge,  and  were  buried  by  Corn- 
wallis  as  he  came  up,  but  the  Americans  had  time  to  do  no 
more  than  lay  the  body  of  the  poor  little  bugler  in  the 
woods  on  the  side  of  the  road,  trusting  to  the  charity  of 
the  country  people  to  inter  it,  when  they  were  obliged  to 
resume  their  retreat.  It  should  be  borne  in  mind  that  the 
commander's  humane  disposition  could  only  be  excited  to 
such  summary  vengeance  by  the  cruel  and  unwarrantable 
murder  that  they  had  just  witnessed,  and  by  the  frequent 
acts  of  atrocity  which  had  been  repeatedly  enacted  by  this 

same  corps. 

Perhaps  the  fated  destiny  which  frequently  appears  to 
await  the  soldier,  hanging  over  him  like  a  shield  while  he 
passes  through  the  most  desperate  danger,  until  the  ap- 
pointed hour  arrives,  was  never  more  apparent  than  in  the 
case  of  Lieutenant-Colonel  Webster,  of  the  British  army,  in 
this  same  retreat.  When  the  rear  of  the  American  army, 
composed,  as  has  been  observed,  principally  by  the  Legion, 
had  passed  the  Reedy  Fork,  the  British  van,  under  the  com- 
mand of  Webster,  endeavored  to  ford  the  river  end  bring 
them  into  action,  a  point  which  Cornwallis  was  anx'ous  to 
attain,  but  which  was  entirely  foreign  to  the  plan  of  Greene, 
whose  object  was  to  wear  out  his  pursuers.  Under  the  cover 
of  a  dense  fog  the  British  had  attained  a  short  distance  of 
the  Legion  before  they  were  discovered.  They  made  their 
appearance  on  the  opposite  bank  of  the  river,  and,  after  halt- 
ing a  few  moments,  descended  the  hill  and  approached  the 
water;  but,  receiving  a  heavy  fire  of  musketry  and  rifles,  they 
fell  back,  and  quickly  re-ascending,  were  again  rallied  on 
the  margin  of  the  bank.  Colonel  Webster  rode  up,  calling 
upon  the  soldiers  in  a  loud  voice  to  follow,  and  rushing 


THE  PARTISAN  LEGION 


91 


down  the  hill  at  their  head,  amid  a  galling  fire  poured  from 
the  Legion  troops,  plunged  into  the  water.     In  the  woods 
occupied  by  the  riflemen  was  an  old  log  school-house,  a  lit- 
tle to  the  right  of  the  ford.     The  mud  stuffed  between  the 
logs  had  mostly  fallen  out,  and  the  apertures  admitted  the 
use  of  rifles  with  ease.     In  this  house  were  posted  five  and 
twenty   select  marksmen  from   the   mountain  militia,  with 
orders  to  forego  engaging  in  the  general  action,  and  direc- 
tions to  hold  themselves  in  reserve  for  any  particular  object 
which  might  present.     "  The  attention  of  this  party  being 
attracted  by  Webster,  as  he  plunged  into  the  water,  they 
singled  him  out  as  their  mark ;  and  as  he  advanced  slowly, 
the  stream  being  deep,  the  bottom  rugged,  and  some  of  his 
soldiers  holding  on  by  his  stirrup-leathers,  they  one  by  one 
discharged   their   rifles  at   him,  each  man  sure  of  knock- 
ing him  over,  and,  having  reloaded,  eight  or  nine  of  them 
emptied  their  guns  at  him  a  second  time;  yet,  strange  to 
relate,  neither  horse  nor  rider  received  a  single  ball.    The 
:wenty-five  marksmen  were  celebrated  for  their  superior  skill, 
and  it  was  a  common  amusement  for  them  to  place  an  apple 
on  the  end  of  a  ramrod  and  hold  it  out  at  arm's  length,  as  a 
mark  for  their  comrades  to  fire  at,  when  many  balls  would 
pass  through  the  apple ;  yet  the  British  officer,  mounted  on 
a  stout  horse,  slowly  moving  through  a  deep  water-course, 
was  singled  out  and  fired  at  thirty-two  or  three  times  suc- 
cessively, and  yet  remained  untouched,  and  succeeded  in  ef- 
fecting a  lodgment  on  the  bank,  where  he  formed  his  troops 
under  a  heavy  fire."    This  gallant  officer  and  polished  gentle- 
man, the  favorite  of  Cornwallis,  subsequently  fell  at  the 
battle  of  Guilford  Coui  t-House,  not  more  regretted  by  his 
brother  soldiers  than  admired  by  those  of  the  American  army. 


92 


THE  PARTISAN  LEGION 


There  is  nothing  more  true  than,  that  in  war,  as  in  love, 
much  depends  upon  accident,  and  an  alarm  is  frequently 
conveyed,  and  a  victory  won,  by  circumstances  entirely  the 
act  of  chance.    As  a  case  in  point.    In  the  retreat  of  the 
British  after  the  battle  of  Monks'  Corner,  Lieutenant-Colonel 
Stuart  ordered  all  the   arms  belonging  to  the  dead  and 
wounded  to  be  collected,  and  when  the  retreating  enemy 
had  marched  on,  they  were  set  f^re  to  by  the  rear  guard. 
As  many  of  the  mnskets  were  loaded,  an  irregular  discharge 
followed,  resembling  the  desultory  fire  which  usually  pre- 
cedes  a  battle.    The  retreating  army  immediately  supposed 
that  Greene  was  up  and  had  commenced  an  attack  on  their 
rear,  and  the  dismay  and  confusion  was  so  great  that  the 
wagoners  cut  the   traces  of  their  horses  and  galloped  off, 
leaving  the  wagons  on  the  route.    The  followers  of  the  army 
fled  in  like  manner,  and  the  terror  was  rapidly  increasing, 
when  the  cessation  of  the  firing  quelled  the  alarm. 

But  the  most  exciting  incident  that  our  fellow  voyager 
related,  and  one  which  would  well  merit  the  attention  of 
the  painter,   was  the  spirited   affair  at   Quinby's  Bridge. 
When  the  British  army  in  their  turn  were  retreating,  Sum- 
ter,  Marion  and  the  Legion  frequently  were  able  to  act  in 
concert.    The  19th  British  Regiment,  Lt.  Col.  Coates,  hav- 
ing become  isolated  at  Monks'  Corner,  it  was  determined  to 
fall  upon  it,  and  cut  it  off  by  surprise  before  it  could  obtain 
relief.    The  British  officer  having  taken  the  precaution  to 
secure  the  bridge  across  the  Cooper  river  by  a  strong  de- 
tachment, it  became  necessary  for  them  to  make  a  long  circuit 
through  the  deep  sands,  in  the  hottest  part  of  the  summer,  be- 
fore they  could  form  a  junction  with  Sumter,  whose  aid  was 
:-._j  :-  fu«  i„4.^„fi«ri  o,ti'.^c\r      The  junction  was  not  ef- 


THE  PARTISAN  LEGION 


93 


fected  until  evening,  and  the  attack  was  necessarily  deferred 
until  the  following  morning;  but  about  midnight,  the  whole 
sky  becoming  illuminated  by  a  great  conflagration,  it  was 
evident  that  the  enemy  had  taken  the  alarm.     They  had  set 
fire  to  the  church  to  destroy  the  stores,  and  had  decamped 
in  silence.     By  the  neglect  of  the  militia,  who  had  deserted 
a  bridge  at  which  they  were  stationed,  the  enemy  had  been 
able  to  draw  off,  and  obtain  a  considerable  distance  in  ad- 
vance, before  their  retreat  was  discovered.     The  commander 
immediately  followed  on  with  the  cavalry  in  pursuit  of  the 
main  body,  but  was  unable  to  come  up  with  it,  until  he  had 
arrived    in   the   neighborhood   of   Quinby's   Bridge,  about 
eighteen  miles  from  Monks'  Corner.     Upon  its  first  approach, 
he  discovered  the  baggage  of  the  regiment  under  a  rear 
guard  of  about  one  hundred  men,  advancing  along  a  narrow 
road,  the  margin  of  which  was  bordered  by  a  deep  swamp 
on  both  sides.     As  soon  as  the  cavalry  came  in  view,  the 
British  officer  formed  his  men  across  the  road,  which  they 
had  hardly  effected,  when  the  charge  was  sounded,  and  the 
Legion  cavalry  rushed  upon  them   with  drawn  swords  at 
full  gallop.    The  voice  of  the  British  officer  was  distinctly 
heard  "directing  his  men  to  fire,"  and  as  no  charge  immedi- 
ately followed,  the  cavalry  officers  felt  extreme  solicitude, 
lest  its  reservation  was  meant  to  make  it  the  more  fatal  on 
their  near  approach,  for  on  the  narrow  road,  and  in  the  close 
column  in  which  they  were  rushing  on,  a  well-directed  fire 
would  have  emptied  half  of  their  saddles ;  but,  happily,  the 
soldiers,  alarmed  by  the  formidable  appearance  of  the  cav- 
alry, threw  down  their  arms  and  supplicated  for  quarter, 
which  the  cavalry  were  most  happy  to  grant  them.     The 
prisoners  being  secured,  the  main  body  of  the  cavalry  pushed 


■!»•      **» 


III 


94 


THE  PARTISAN  LEGION 


on  under  Armstrong  for  the  bridge,  which  was  still  about 
three  miles  in  front,  in  the  hope  of  cutting  off  the  enemy 
before  they  could  succeed  in  reaching  it.     As   Armstrong 
came  in  sight,  he  found  that  Coates  had  passed  the  bridge 
and  that  he  was  indolently  reposing  on  the  opposite  side  of 
the  river,  awaiting  his  rear  guard  and  baggage      He  had, 
bv  way  of  nrecaution,  taken  up  the  planks  from  the  bridge, 
letting  them  lie  loosely  on  the  sleepers,  intending,  as  soon 
as  the  rear  should  have  crossed,  to  destroy  it     Seeing  the 
enemy  with   the  bridge  thus  interposed,  which  he  knew 
was  contrary  to  the  commandant's  anticipations,  Armstrong 
drew  up,  and  sent  back  word  to  the  commander,  who  was 
still  wUh  the  prisoners,  requesting  orders,  never  communi- 
eating  the  fact  that  the  bridge  was  interposed.     The  adjutant 
soon  came  galloping  back  with  the  lac-  nic  answer :  ''The 
order  of  the  day,  sir,  is  to  fall  upon  the  enemy,  without  re- 
gara  to  consequences." 

The  gallant  Armstrong  for  a  moment  leaned  forward  in 
his  saddle,  towards  the  adjutant,  as  if  thunder-struck  with 
this  reflfxtion  on  his  courage ;  in  the  nexi,  his  sword  glanced 
like  a  streak  of  light  around  his  head,  and  shouting  in  a  voice 
of  thunder:  "Legion  cavalry,  charge !"  at  the  head  of  his 
section  he  cleared  the  bridge,  the  horses  throwing  off  the 
loose  planks  in  every  direction ;  the  next  inatant,  driving  the 
.oldiers  headlong  from  the  howitzer  which  they  had  mounted 
at  the  oth^r  end  to  defend  it,  he  was  cutting  and  slashing  m 
the  very  center  of  the  British  regiment,  which,  taken  com- 
pletely by  surprise,  threw  down  their  arms,  retreating'   in 
every  direction.    The  horses  of   Armstrong's  section   had 
thrown  off  the  planks  as  they  cleared  the  bridge,  leaving  a 
yawning  chasm,  beneath  which  the  deep  black  stream  was 


THE  PARTISAN  LEGION 


95 


rushmg  turbidly  onwards;  but  Lieutenant  Carrington,  at 
the  head  of  his  section,  took  the  leap  and  closed  with  Arm- 
strong, engaged  in  a  desperate  personal  encounter  with 
Lieutenant  Colonel  Coates,  who  had  barely  time  to  throw 
himself  with  a  few  of  his  officers  behind  some  baggage- 
wagons,  where  they  were  parrying  the  sabre  cuts  made  by 
the  dragoons  at  their  heads.  Most  of  the  soldiers,  alarmed 
at  the  sudden  attack,  had  abandoned  their  officers  and  were 
running  across  the  fields,  to  shelter  themselves  in  a  neigh- 
boring farm-house.  The  Colonel,  by  this  time,  had  himself 
got  up  to  the  bridge,  where  O'Neal,  with  the  third  section, 
had  halted,  the  chasm  having  been  so  much  enlarged  by  Car- 
rington's  horses  throwing  off  additional  planks,  that  his  horses 
would  not  take  the  leap,  and  seeing  the  howitzer  abandoned, 
and  the  whole  regiment  dispersed,  except  the  few  officers 
who  were  defending  themselves  with  their  swords,  while 
they  called  upon  the  flying  soldiers  for  assistance,  he  pro- 
ceeded to  recover  and  replace  the  plarxks.  The  river 
was  deep  in  mud,  and  still  deeper  in  water,  so  that  the 
dragoons  could  neither  get  a  footing  to  replace  the  planks, 
nor  a  firm  spot  from  which  they  might  swim  their  horses  to 
the  aid  of  their  comrades.  Seeing  this  posture  of  affairs, 
some  of  the  bravest  of  the  British  soldiers  began  to  hurry 
back  to  the  assistance  of  their  officers,  and  Armstrong  and 
Carrington,  being  unable  to  sustain  with  only  one  troop  of 
dragoons  so  unequal  a  combat,  they  abandoned  the  contest, 
forcing  their  way  down  the  great  road  into  the  woods  on 
the  margin  of  the  stream,  in  their  effort  to  rejoin  the  corps. 
Relieved  from  the  immediate  danger,  Coates  hastened  back 
to  the  bridge  and  opened  a  fire  from  the  deserted  howitzer 
upon  the  soldiers,  who  were  fruitlessly  striving  to  repair 


96 


THE  PARTISAN  LEGION 


the  bridge,  and  being  armed  only  with  their  sabres,  which 
the  chasm  made  perfectly  useless,  as  they  could  not  reach 
the  enemy  across  it,  they  were  also  forced  to  give  up  the 
attempt,  and  retire  without  the  range  of  the  fire  from  the 

gun.  .  •  1     u 

Marion  shortly  after  coming  up,  in  conjunction  w.th  the 

Legion,  marched  some  distance  down  the  banks,  where  they 
were  enabled  to  ford  the  stream,  and  effect  a  passage.     In 
the  edge  of  the  evening,  they  reached  the  farm-house,  but 
found  that  Coates  had  fortified  himself  within  it,  with  his 
howitzer,  and  was  thus  impregnable  to  cavalry.    -  While 
halting  in  front,  Armstrong  and  Carrington  came  up  with 
their  shattered  sections.     Neither  of  the  officers  were  hurt, 
but  many  of  the  bravest  dragoons  were  killed,  and  still  more 
wounded.     Some  of  their  finest  fellows-men  who  had  passed 
through  the  whole  war,  esteemed  and  admired— had  fallen 
in  this  honorable  but  unsuccessful  attempt."     Being  without 
artillery,  and  within  striking  distance  of  Charleston,  they 
were  obliged,  fatigued  as  they  were,  to  commence  their  re- 
treat.    Placing  the  wounded  in  the  easiest  posture  for  con- 
veyance, and  laying  the  dead  on  the  pommels  of  their  sad- 
dies,  the  Legion  counter-marched  fifteen  miles ;  at  its  close, 
burying  in  sadness  and  grief,  in  one  common  sepulchre,  the 
bodies  of  those  that  had  fallen. 

These  anecdotes  of  the  Legion  are  but  a  few  of  the  many 
stirring  and  spirited  narrations  with  which  Smith  whiled 
away  the  time,  as  we  glided  along  on  our  return  up  the 
river.  His  own  observations  and  adventures  in  traveling 
over  the  world  were  not  wanting  for  c  ur  amusement,  for, 
with  a  mind  well  prepared  for  its  enjoyment,  he  had  passed 
the  years  that  had  intervened,  since  last  I  saw  him,  in  trav- 


THE  PARTISAN  LEGION  07 

eling  leisurely  over  Europe  and  the  East.  With  the  true 
philosophy  of  life,  calling  all  men  brothers,  and  restrained 
by  no  narrow  prejudices  of  country  or  habit,  he  had  entered 
eagerly  into  the  manners  and  participated  iu  the  amusements 
of  those  around  him.  First  after  the  hounds  in  England,  he 
shouted  "  tally  ho !"  with  all  the  enthusiasm  of  the  veriest 
sportsman  in  the  hunt;  while  his  voice  was  heard  equally 
loud  and  jovial  in  the  wild  and  half-frantic  chorus  of  the 
drinking  and  smoking  students  of  Germany.  He  scrupled 
not  to  wear  his  beard  long,  and  partake  of  the  hard  black 
loaf  in  the  cabin  of  the  Russian  boor,  while,  with  equal 
equanimity,  he  wore  his  turban,  and  smoked  his  chibouque, 
cross-legged  in  the  cafifarets  of  Turkey.  He  climbed  the 
huge  Pyramids,  and  their  dark  and  silent  chambers  echoed 
the  sounds  of  his  voice,  as  he  called  on  Cheops,  Isis  and 
Orus ;  and,  kneeling  in  the  gorgeous  mosque  of  Omar,  he 
worshipped  the  true  God,  while  the  muzzeim  from  its  min- 
arets was  proclaiming  that  Mahomet  was  his  prophet.  He 
had  luxuriated  amid  the  never-dying  works  of  the  great 
masters  at  Florence,  and,  lulled  by  the  harmonious  chant 
of  the  gondolier,  had  swept  over  the  moonlit  lagoons  of 
Venice.  He  had  whirled  in  all  the  gaiety  of  living  Paris, 
and  measured  with  careful  steps  the  silent  streets  of  dead 
Herculaneum  and  Pompeii.  He  had  stood  amid  the  awful 
stillness,  on.  the  glittering  ice-covered  summits  of  Mont 
Blanc,  and  looked  fearlessly  down  into  the  great  roaring 
caverns  of  fire  boiling  in  the  crater  of  Vesuvius— but  now, 
there  was  a  sadness  about  his  heart  which  rarely  lighted  up, 
and,  as  I  have  observed,  it  vas  only  under  momentary  ex- 
citement that  he  blazed  into  brilliant  entertainment. 

As  the  fresh  breeze  wafted  us  swiftly  onwards,  Venus, 


h 


98 


TI/£  PARTISAN  LEGION 


amid  the  stars  trembling  in  unnumbered  myriads,  rivalled 
with  her  silvery  rays  the  great  round-orbed  moon,  sailing 
joyously  in  her  career  high  in  the  heavens  above  us,  and 
soon  the  bright  beacon  on  the  plantation  shore,  lighted  for 
our  guidance,  shone  steadily  over  the  dark  water,  and  ere 
long  we  were  all  quietly  seated  at  the  supper-table,  with  our 
beatiful  hostess  at  its  head— again  at  Tom's  cottage  on  the 
banks  of  the  Potomac. 


HUDSON  RIVER. 


HERE  we  are,  met  again,  all  booted  and  spurred,  and 
ready  for  another  journey.  Come ;  let  us  make  the 
most  of  our  time  on  this  mundane  sphere ;  for,  verily, 
we  are  but  two  of  the  autor^-VT  of  the  great  moving  pano- 
rama so  rapidly  hastening  o'er  its  surface;  two  of  the 
unnumbered  millions,  who,  lifted  from  their  cradles,  are 
hurrying  with  like  equal  haste  towards  the  great  dark  cur- 
tain of  the  future,  where,  drawing  its  gloomy  folds  aside, 
they  shall  pass  behind  and  disappear  forever.  Therefore 
let  us  hasten ;  for  though  some  of  us  complacently  imagine 


fiir 


lOO 


HUDSON  RIVER 


that  we  are  bound  on  our  own  special  road  and  chosen 
journey,  yet,  surely,  we  are  but  traveling  the  path  which  has 
been  marked  out  for  us  by  an  all-seeing  Providence ;  and 
though,  like  soldiers,  we  may  be  marching,  as  we  suppose, 
to  good  billets  and  snug  quarters,  yet,  perhaps,  before  the 
day's  route  be  closed,  we  may  be  plunged  into  the  centre  of 
the  battle-field,  with  sad  curtailment  of  our  history.     Tern- 
pus  fugit !     Therefore  let  us  hasten  ;  for  in  a  few  short  years 
some  modern  Hamlet  o'er  our  tomb-stones  thus  shall  mor- 
alize  :  "^ere  be  two  fellows  tucked  up  right  cosily  in  their 
last  quarters,  '  at  their  heads  a  grass-green  turf,  and  at  their 
heels  a  stone.'     Hump !  for  all  their  stillness,  I'll  warrant 
me  they've  strutted  their  mimic  stage,  and  flaunted  with  the 
best;  they've  had  their  ups  and  downs,  their  whims  and  fan- 
cies,  their  schemes  and  projects,  their  loves  and  hates ;  have 
been  elated  with  vast  imaginings,  and  depressed  to  the  very 
'  ocean's  depths ;    and  now  their  little  day  and  generation 
passed,  they've  settled  to  their  rest.    The  school-boy,  astride 
on  one's  memento,  with  muddy  heels  kicks  out  his  epitaph, 
while  the  other's  name  is  barely  visible  among  the  thistle's 
aspiring  tops  ;  yet  both  alike  have  rendered,  with  the  whole 
human  family,  the   same  brief  epitome  of  history.    'They 
laughed  ;  they  groaned  ;  they  wept ;  and  here  they  are  ;'  for 
such  are  but  the  features  of  bright,  confiding  youth,  stern 
manhood's  trials,  and  imbecile  old  age."   And  this  same  sage 
Hamlet's  right;   therefore,  without  more   ado,  let  us  get 
us  on  our  travels. 

Now  Westward  shall  lie  our  course.  Here  come  the 
cars.  Quick— jump  i"  ^  ^e  are  off.  We  fly  over  the 
bridges,  and  through  the  tunnels ;  the  rail  fences  spin  by  in 
ribands  ;  the  mile-stones  play  leap-frog ;  the  abutments  dash 


iiii 


HUDSON  RIVER 


lOI 


by  us.  Screech!  the  cattle  jump  like  mad  out  of  our  way. 
Already  at  Jersey  City?  We  paddle  across.  Ay,  here  we 
are,  just  in  time  for  the  steamer.  What  a  pandemonium  of 
racket,  and  noise,  and  confusion !  "  All  aboard  !  "  Tinkle, 
tinkle.  The  walking-beam  rises,  the  heavy  wheels  splash, 
we  shoot  out  into  the  stream,  we  make  a  graceful  curve, 
and,  simultaneously  with  five  other  steamers,  stretch  like 
race-horses  up  the  majestic  Hudson. 

How  beautifully  the  Narrows,  and  the  ocean,  open  to  our 
view,  and  the  noble  bay,  studded  with  its  islands,  and  for- 
tresses, and  men-of-war,  with  frowning  batteries  and  check- 
ered sides!  In  graceful  amity  float  the  nations'  emblems — 
the  Tri-color,  Red  Cross,  Black  Eagle,  Stars  and  Stripes. 
But  we  take  the  lead.  Fire  up  ;  fire  up,  engineer ;  her  name- 
sake cuts  tiie  air  not  more  swiftly  than  our  fleet  boat  her  ele- 
ment.  Still  as  a  mirror  lies  the  tranquil  water.  The  dark 
Palisades  above  us,  with  fringed  and  picturesque  outline,  are 
reflected  on  its  polished  surface;  and  the  lordly  sloops — see 
how  lazily  they  roll  and  pitch  on  the  long  undulating  swell 
made  by  our  progress,  their  scarlet  pennons  quivering  on  its 
surface  as  it  regains  its  smoothness. 

How  rich  and  verdant  extend  thy  shores,  delightful  river! 
Oh!  kindly  spirit!  Crayon,  Diedrick,  Irving,  whate'er  we 
call  thee,  with  what  delightful  Indian  summer  of  rustic 
story,  of  dreamy  legend,  hast  thou  invested  them?  Lo!  as 
we  slide  along,  what  moving  panorama  presents  itself! 
Phlegmatic  Mynheers,  in  sleepy  Elysium  evolve  huge 
smoke-wreaths  of  the  fragrant  weed,  as  they  watch  thy  placid 
stream  ;  blooming  Katrinas,  budding  like  roses  out  of  their 
bodices,  coquette  with  adoring  Ichabods;  sturdy,  broad- 
breeched  beaux,  sound  "  boot  and  saddle,"  Roarins: "  Broms  " 


i  I 


I02 


HUDSON  RIVER 


dash  along  on  old  "  Gun-powders."  "  Headless  horsemen  " 
thunder  onwards  through  haunted  hollows,  heads  on  saddle- 
bow.  Dancing,  laughing  negroes  ;  irate,  rubicund  trumpet- 
ers ;  huge  Dutch  merry-makings,  groaning  feasts,  and  hen- 
pecked "  Rips,"  pass  in  review  before  us.  In  the  evening  twi- 
light, thy  beacon,  Stony  Point,  throws  far  its  streaming  rays 
o'er  the  darkening  scenery,  different,  I  ween,  when  mid  mid- 


STONY   POINT   SENTRY. 


night  mist  and  stillness,  mid  cannon-blaze  and  roar,  "  Mad 
Anthony's  "  attacking  columns  simultaneously  struck  the  flag- 
staff in  thy  centre.  The  sparks  stream  rocket-like  from  our- 
chimneys,  as  we  enter  your  dark  embrace,  ye  highlands! 
Hark!  the  roll  of  the  drum,  as  we  r^Mmd  the  bend.  Thy 
beautiful  plateau,  West  Point,  with  its  gallant  spirits,  is 
above  us. 


HUDSON  RIVER 


103 


The  thunder  of  thy  bowling  balls,  old  Hudson,  we  hear 
as  we  pass  the  gorges  of  the  Catskills.  Hyde  Park,  thou 
glancest  by  us.  The  villas  of  the  Rensselaers  and  Livings- 
tons flit  'mid  their  green  trees.  Thy  cottages,  oh  Kinder- 
hook,  the  Overslaugh,  rush  by,  and  now  we  are  at  Albany. 
Albany,  Rochester,  Utica,  by  smoking  steam-car,  we  are  de- 
livered from  you.  Auburn,  we  breathe  among  thy  shady 
walks — and  now,  for  a  moment,  Buffalo,  we  rest  with  thee. 
All  h'^il  to  thee,  thou  city  of  the  Bison  Bull ! 


I« 


NIGHT  ATTACK  ON   FORT   ERIE. 


(August  14th,  1 8 14.) 


HOSTLER  !  bring  up  the  horses !  We  will  cross  to  the 
Canadian  shore  and  ride  leisurely  o'er  its  battle- 
grounds. Tighten  the  girths,  John  ;  take  up  another 
hole.  So  ;  never  mind  .the  stirrup.  Jump;  I'm  in  my  sad- 
dle. Are  you  ready?  Aye;  well  broken  is  that  gray  of 
yours  ;  he  has  a  good  long  trot ;  how  easy  it  makes  your  rise 
in  the  saddle,  and  how  graceful  is  the  gait.  But  here  we  are 
at  the  ferry.  Now  we  cross  thy  stream,  Niagara !  Now  we 
stand  on  British  ground  !  Generous  and  gallant  blood  has 
deeply  stained  its  soil!  Observe  these  crumbling  works ; 
the  old  stone  fort  facing  the  river ;  the  remains  of  ramparts 
and  trenches;  here  a  bastion,  further  on  a  redoubt;  there 
again  lines  and  earth-works,  forming  a  continuous  circle  of 
defence,  but  all  now  fast  sinking  to  their  original  level. 
These  are,  or  rather  were,  the  fortress  and  defences  of  "  Fort 
Erie."  When,  some  years  since,  I  rode  over  the  ground 
with  our  kind  and  excellent  friend,  the  Major,  I  listened 
with  great  interest  to  his  narration  of  the  part  of  the  cam- 
paign acted  upon  this  spot  and  the  adjoining  country.  I 
will  repeat  it  to  you  as  we  ride  over  it.  Jump  your  horse 
upon  this  decaying  mound  ;  it  was  a  bastion. 

Standing  on  this  Bastion,  "  Here,"  said  the  Major,  "  we 
had  thrown  up  our  lines,  making  the  defences  as  strong  as 


NIGHT  A  TTACK  ON  FORT  ERIE 


105 


practicable.  The  British  had 
also  erected  formidable  works 
about  half  a  mile  in  front,  (the 
forest  intervening)  composed  of 
a  large  stone  battery  on  their 
left,  and  two  strong  redoubts, 
from  which  they  kept  up  an  in- 
cessant discharge  of  shot  and 
shells  for  several  successive  days, 
which  was  returned  by  us  with 
equal  vigor.  At  length  a  shell 
from  their  batteries,  having  fallen 
upon  it,  blew  up  one  of  our 
small  magazines,  but  with  trifling 
injury  to  the  rest  of  the  de- 
fences. They  greatly  overrated 
the  damage,  and  were  elated 
with  their  success.  General 
Gaines  received  secret  informa- 
tion that  they  intended  to  carry 
the  works  by  storm  on  the  fol-  \ 
lowing  night.  That  night,  said 
the  Major,  I  shall  not  soon  for-  \'i. 
get.  It  set  in  intensely  dark  and 
cloudy;  extremely  favorable  to 
the  design  of  the  enemy.  Every- 
thing was  put  in  the  fullest  state 
of  preparation  to  receive  them. 
The  men,  enthusiastically  await- 
ing the  attack,  were  ordered  to 
lie   on    their    arms.      Extended 


io6 


NIGHT  A  TTACK  ON  FORT  ERIE 


along  the  lines,  and  manning  the  fort  and  bastion,  our  little 
army,  in  perfect  silence,  awaited  their  coming. 

"  The  forest  had  been  cleared  about  three  hundred  yards 
in  front  of  our  works;  beyond  that  were,  as  you  see,  the 
woods.    As  the  night  wore  on,  we  listened  with  earnestness 
to  every  sound.     A  little  after  midnight,  we  heard  on  the 
dry  leaves  the  stealthy  sound  of  footsteps— rustle— rustle- 
rustle.    We  listened  ;  they  came  nearer.  A  short,  sharp  chal- 
lenge :  '  Who  goes  there  ? '  issued  from  that  farther  redoubt. 
The  footsteps  ceased,  as  if  irresolute  to  advance  or  recede, 
and  all  was  still.  Another  quick  challenge,  a  rattle  of  the  mus- 
ket as  it  fell  into  the  hollow  of  the  hand,  followed  the  quick 
reply  :— '  Picket  guard,  forced  in  by  the  enemy's  advance.' 
'  Back,  guard  !    back   to  your    posts  instantly,  or  we  will 
fire  upon  you,'  rung  the  stern  voice  of  our  commanding 
officer.     The  footsteps  of  the  stragglers  slowly  receded,  and 
entire  stillness  again  obtained.     It  was  as  profound  as  the 
darkness  ;  not  even  the  hum  of  an  insect  rose  upon  the  ear. 
We  laid  our  heads  upon  the  ramparts,  and   listened  with  ui. 
our  faculties.     We  listened.     Perhaps  half  an  hour  elap  '.;d, 
when  we  imagined  we  heard  the  dead,  heavy  sound  of  a 
large     body     of     men — tramp — tramp — tramp — advancing 
through  the   pitchy    darkness.     A  few  moments  passed,  a 
brisk   scattering  fire    and  the  pickets  came  in  in  beautiful 
order,  under  the  bnwc  subaltern  in  command.     The  meas- 
ured tread  of  disciplined  troops  became  apparent.     Every 
sense  was  stretched  to  the  utmost  in  expectancy  ;  every  eye 
endeavored  to  fathom  the  darkness  in  front,  when,  from 
Towson's  battery,  that  towards  the  river,  glanced  a  volley 
of  musketry,  and  in  another  instant  the  whole  line  of  the 
works,  bastion,  redoubt,  and   rampart,  streamed  forth  one 


'lii 


NIGHT  A  TTACK  ON  FORT  ERIE 


107 


living  sheet  of  flame.  Two  eighteens,  mounted  where  we 
stand,  were  tilled  to  the  muzzle  with  grape,  cannister,  and 
bags  of  mnsket-buUets;  imagine  their  havoc.  The  enemy 
came  on  with  loud  shouts  and  undaunted  bravery.  3y  the 
continued  glare  of  our  discharges,  we  could  see  dense  dark 
masses  of  men,  moving  in  columns  to  three  separate  points 
of   attack   upon   our   works.     Our  artillery  and  musketry 


poured  on  them,  as  they  advanced,  a  continual  stream  of  fire, 
rolling  and  glancing  from  angles,  bastions,  and  redoubts. 
Repulsed,  they  were  re-formed  by  their  officers,  and  brought 
again  to  the  charge,  to  be  again  repulsed.  At  such  times, 
hours  fly  like  minutes.  A  life  appears  concentrated  to  a 
moment.  We  had  been  engaged  perhaps  an  hour — perhaps 
three — when  I  heard  in  that  bastion  of  the  Fort,  a  hundred 


■(M 


i      * 


! 


r  I 


I 


1 08 


NIGHT  A  TTACK  OX  FORT  ERIE 


feet  from  me,  above  the  uproar,  a  quick,  furious  struggle,  as 
if  of  men  engaged  in  fierce  death-fight ;  a  clashing  of  bay- 
onets, and  sharp  pistol  shots,  mixed  with  heavy  blows,  and 
short  quick  breathing,  such  as  you  may  have  heard  men 
make  in  violent  exertion,  in  cutting  wood  with  axes,  or  other 
severe  manual  labor.  The  conflict,  though  fierce,  was  short ; 
the  assailants  were  repelled.  Those  that  gained  a  footing 
were  bayoneted,  or  thrown  back  over  the  parapet.  In  a  few 
moments,  I  heard  again  the  same  fierce  struggle,  and  again 
followed  the  like  result  and  stillness— if  stillness  could  be 
said  to  exist  under  continual  roar  of  musketry  and  artillery. 
A  third  time  it  rose,  sudden  and  desperate ;  it  ceased  ;  and 
presently  a  clear  loud  voice  rose  high  above  tht  battle  from 
the  bastion  :  *  Stop  firing  in  front  there  ;  you  are  firing  on 
your  friends.'  An  instant  cessation  followed.  We  were 
deceived.  In  another  moment,  the  voice  of  an  officer,  with 
startling  energy,  replied  :  '  Aye,  aye  ;  we'll  stop  :  give  it  to 
them,  men;  give  it  to  them!'  —and  the  firing,  renewed,  was 
continued  with  redoubled  fury.  The  head  of  the  centre  col- 
umn, composed  of  eight  hundred  picked  men,  veterans 
of  Egypt,  led  by  Lieut.-Col.  Drummond  in  person,  after 
three  several  assaults,  had  gained  possession  of  the  bastion, 
and  by  that  ruse,  endeavored  to  cause  a  cessation  of  the 
fire ;  a  result  that  might  have  been  fatal  to  us,  had  not  the 
deception  been  so  soon  discerned.  But  the  prize  was  of 
little  value,  as  the  bastion  was  commanded  by  the  interior 
of  the  works,  and  the  men,  under  cover  of  the  walls  of  an 
adjoining  barrack,  poured  into  the  gorge,  that  led  from  it, 
a  continued  storm  of  musketry.  The  firing  continued  with 
unabated  fury.  The  enemy,  repulsed  with  great  loss  in 
every  attack,  was  unsuccessful  on  every    point   save   that 

■V 


NIGHT  A  TTACK  ON  FORT  ERIE 


109 


bastion,  the  possession  of  which  they  still  retained  ;  when  I 
heard  a  groaning  roll  and  shake  of  the  earth,  and  instantly 
the  bastion,  bodies  of  men,  timber,  guns,  earth  and  stones 
were  blown  up  in  the  air  like  a  volcano,  making  every  thing 
in  the  glare  as  clear  as  noonday.  A  descending  timber 
dashed  one  of  my  artillerymen  to  pieces  within  a  foot  of  my 
shoulder.  Profound  darkness  and  silence  followed.  Naught 
but  the  groans  of  the  wounded  and  dying  were  heard.  As 
if  by  mutual  consent,  the  fighting  ceased,  and  the  enemy 
withdrew,  repulsed  on  every  side,  save  from  the  parapet 
which  they  purchased  for  their  grave.^  A  large  quantity 
of  fixed  ammunition  had  been  placed  in  the  lower  part,  and 
a  stray  w  ad,  falling  upon  it,  had  blown  them  all  up  together  ; 
My  duty  required  that  I  should  immediately  repair  the 
bastion,  and  most  horrible  was  the  sight ;  bodies  burnt  and 
mutilated,  some  of  them  still  pulsating  with  life,  among 
them  Lieut.-Colonel  Drummond,  the  leader  of  the  attack.^ 
There  he  lay,  in  the  morning  light,  stark  and  stiff,  extended 
on  the  rampart,  a  ball  having  passed  through  his  breast. 
His  war-cry  of  '  No  quarter  to  the  damned  Yankees'— his 
own  death-warrant — was  long  remembered  against  his 
countrymen.  The  enemy  did  not  resume  the  attack,  but, 
retiring  to  their  entrenched  camp,  strengthened  their  works, 
and  prepared  to  make  their  approach  by  regular  advances." 
But  come  ;  spur  on ;  we  have  far  to  ride  ;  spur  on.  Here 
we  are,  upon  their  works.  Here  is  the  stone  water-battery, 
and  there  the  two  strong  redoubts,  and  back  of  them  the  re- 
mains of  their  lines,  and  deep  intreuchments.  These  are  the 
works  which  were  carried  in  the  memorable  and  desperate 
sortie  of  Fort  Erie.  The  right  by  General  Miller,  Aspinwall 
and  Trimble,  and  the  left  by  the  gallant  Porter  and  his  vol- 


Ill 


J  J Q  NIGHT  ATTACK  ON  FOR T  ERIE 

unteers,  under  the  immediate  command  of  Davis,  and  the  Reg- 
ulars led  by  Gibson  and  Wood.  "  Here,  on  the  left,"  quoth 
the  Major,  "  fell  my  gallant,  my  accomplished  friend,  Lieuten- 
ant-Colonel  Wood,  at  the  head  of  his  column.  He  was  one  of 
the  most  brilliant  officers  in  the  service,  and  as  beautiful  as  a 
girl.  I  often  gazed  with  astonishment  at  the  desperate  daring 
that  characterized  him  in  action ;  here  he  fell ;  he  was  bay- 
oneted to  death  on  the  ground,  on  this  spot"— and  the  Ma- 
jor's voice  quivered,  and  he  turned  his  face  from  me,  for  the 
cruel  death  of  his  dear  friend  was  too  much  for  his  manhood. 
His  body  was  never  found.  His  monument  rests  near  the 
flag-staff  at  West  Point.  Peace  to  his  gallant  spirit !  The 
stars  of  his  country  can  wave  over  no  braver  of  her  sons. 

^  The  venerable  Jabez  Fisk,  who  was  in  the  fight,  in  a  letter  to  me 
writes  :  "  Three  or  four  hundred  of  the  enemy  had  got  into  the  bas- 
tion. At  this  time  an  American  oiificer  came  running  up  and  said: 
'  General  Gaines,  the  bastion  is  full;  I  can  blow  them  all  to  hell  in  a 
minute! '  They  both  passed  back  through  a  stone  building,  and  in 
a  short  time  the  bastion  and  the  British  were  high  in  the  air.  Gen- 
eral Gaines  soon  returned,  swinging  his  hat  and  shouting,  *  Hurrah  foi 
Little  York!  •  "  This  was  in  allusion  to  the  blowing  up  of  the  British 
magazine  at  Litde  York,  when  General  Pike  was  VxW&^—Lossins. 

^  The  enemy  was  soon  repulsed  in  this  quarter.  The  centre,  led 
by  Lieutenant-Colonel  Drummond,  was  not  long  kept  in  check.  It 
approached  every  assailable  point  of  the  fort  at  once.  They  brought 
scaling-ladders,  and  with  the  greatest  coolness  and  bravery  attempted 
to  force  an  entrance  over  the  walls.  Captain  Willian.s  and  Lieuten- 
ants Macdonough  and  Watmough,  in  the  fort,  met  them  gallantly,  and 
twice  repulsed  them.  Then  Drummond,  taking  advantage  of  the  cov- 
ering of  a  thick  pall  of  gunpowder  smoke,  which  hung  low,  went 
silently  around  the  ditch,  and,  with  scaling-ladders,  ascended  to  the 
parapet  with  great  celerity,  and  gained  a  secure  footing  there  with  one 
hundred  of  the  Royal  Artillery  before  any  effectual  opposition  could 
be  made.     Already  the  exasperated  Drummond,  goaded  almost  to 


NIGHT  A  TTACK  ON  FORT  ERIE 


III 


madness  by  the  murderous  repulses  which  he  had  endured,  had  given 
orders  to  show  no  mercy  to  the  "damned  Yankees,"  and  had  actually 
stationed  a  body  of  painted  savages  near,  with  instructions  to  rush  into 
the  fort,  when  the  regulars  should  get  possession  of  it,  and  assist  in 
the  general  massacre.  Finding  himself  now  in  actual  possession  of  a 
part  of  the  fort,  he  instantly  directed  his  men  to  charge  upon  the  gar- 
rison with  pike  and  bayonet,  and  to  "show  no  mercy."  Most  of  the 
American  officers,  and  many  of  the  men,  received  deadly  wounds. 
Among  the  former  was  Lieutenant  Macdonough.  He  was  severely 
hurt,  and  demanded  quarter.  It  was  refused  by  Lieutenant- Colonel 
Drummond.  The  Lieutenant  then  seized  a  hand  spike  and  boldly 
defended  himself  until  he  was  shot  down  with  a  pistol  by  the  mon- 
ster who  had  refused  him  mercy,  and  who  often  reiterated  the  order, 
"  Give  the  damned  Yankees  no  quarter !  "  He  soon  met  his  deserved 
fate,  for  he  was  shot  through  the  heart,  was  severely  bayoneted,  and 
fell  dead  by  the  side  of  his  own  victim. — Lossing's  Hist.  War  ^/ 1812. 

In  the  secret  orders  issued  by  Lieutenant-General  Drummond, 
found  in  the  pockets  of  Colonel  Drummond,  was  this  paragraph: 
"  The  Lieutenant-General  most  strongly  recommends  the  use  of  the 
bayonet"  Just  above  this  paragraph  was  a  blood-stained  fracture 
made  by  the  bayonet,  an  inch  in  length  and  half  an  inch  in  width. 
There  were  two  other  copies  of  this  order  issued,  one  to  Lieutenant- 
Colonel  Fischer  and  the  other  to  Colonel  Scott. — Lossing. 


i. 


1 1 11! 


'Mi 


f 


ItJilli 


i 


BATTLE  OF   LUNDY'S   LANE. 


COL.    MILLER    AT   LUNDY  S   LANE. 

WE  cross  thy  tranquil  plains,  oh  !  Chippewa.  Brown, 
Scott,  Miller,  Jesup,  and  your  gallant  comrades ; 
long  will  this  battle-ground  your  names  remember. 
But  far  different  music  has  resounded  through  these  contin- 
uous woods  than  the  wild  bird's  carol,  the  hum  of  insects, 
and  the  waving  of  the  breeze  that  now  so  gently  greets  our 
ear.  Aye !  yonder  is  the  white  house.  "  There,"  said  the 
Major,  "as  General  Scott,  making  a  forward  movement  with 
his  brie:ade  in  the  afternoon  of  the  25th  of  July,  1814,  came 


BATTLE   OF  LUNDY'S  LANE 


113 


in   view  of  it,  we  saw   the   court-yard   filled  with  British 
officers,  their  horses  held  by  orderlies  and  servants  in  attend- 
ance.   As  soon  as  we  became  visible  to  them,  the  bugles 
sounded  to  saddle,  and  in  a  few  moments  they  were  mounted 
and   soon  disappeared  through   the   woods  at  full  gallop, 
twenty  bugles  ringing  the  alarm  from  different  parts  of  the 
forest.     All  vanished,  as  if  swallowed  by  the  earth,  save  an 
elegant  veteran  officer,  who  reined  up,  just  out  of  musket 
shot,  and  took  a  leisurely  survey  of  our  numbers.     Having 
apparently   satisfied   himself  of    our  force,   he   raised   the 
plumed  hat  from  his  head,  and  bowing  gracefully  to  our  cor- 
tege, put  spurs  to  his  horse  and  disappeared  with  the  rest. 
From  the  occupant  of  the  house  we  gathered  that  we  were 
about  a  mile  distant   from   a   strong  body  of   the  enemy, 
posted  on  the  rising  ground  just  beyond  the  woods  in  our 
front.      General  Scott,  turning  to  one  of  his  escort,  said  : 
'  Be  kind  enough,  sir,  to  return  to  Major-General  Brown ; 
inform  him  that  I  have  fallen  in  with  the  enemy's  advance, 
posted  in  force  at  Lundys  Lane,  and   that  in  one-half  hour 
I  shall  have   joined    battle.'     *  Order  up  Ripley  with   the 
second  brigade ;  direct  Porter  to  get  his  volunteers  imme- 
diately under  arms,'  was  the  brief  reply  of  Major-General 
Brown  to  my  message,  and  the  aids  were  instantly  in  their 
saddles,  conveying  the  orders.    As  I  galloped  back  through 
the  woods,"  continued  the  Major,  "the  cannon-shot  screaming 
by  me,  tearing  the  trees  and  sending  the  rail  fences  in  the 
air  in  their  course,  warned  me  that  the  contest  had  begun. 
But  we  are  on  the  battle-ground.     There,"  said  the  Major, 
"upon  the  verge  of  that  sloping  hill,  parallel  with  the  road, 
and  through  the  grave-yard  toward  the  Niagara,  was  drawn 
up  the  British  line  under  General  Riall,  in  force  three  times 


rjL 


114 


BATTLE   OF  LUNDY'S  LANE 


I '  '?: 


greater  than  our  brigade  ;  his  right  covered  with  a  powerful 
battery  of  nine  pieces  of  artillery,  two  of  them  brass  twenty- 

fours. 

"  The  Eleventh  and  Twenty-second rQgimQntSy  first  leaving  the 
wood,  deployed  upon  the  open  ground  with  the  coolness 
and  regularity  of  a  review,  and  were  soon  engaged  furiously 
in  action ;  the  fire  from  the  enemy's  line,  and  from  the  bat- 
tery,  which  completely  commanded  the  position,  opening 
upon  them  with  tremendous  effect.  Towson,  having  hur- 
ried up  with  his  guns  on  the  left,  in  vain  endeavored  to  at- 
tain sufficient  elevation  to  return  the  fire  of  their  battery. 
The  destruction  on  our  side  was  very  great ;  the  two  regi- 
ments fought  with  consummate  bravery.  They  were  severe- 
ly cut  up.  Their  ammunition  became  exhausted,  and  the 
officers,  nearly  all  of  them,  having  been  killed  and  wounded, 
they  were  withdrawn  from  action ;  the  few  officers  remain- 
ing unhurt  throwing  themselves  into  the  Ninth,  which  now 
came  into  action,  led  by  the  gallant  Colonel  Leavenworth. 

"  The  brunt  of  the  battle  now  came  upon  them,  and  they 
alone  sustained  it  for  some  time,  fighting  with  unflinching 
bravery,  until  their  numbers  were  reduced  to  one-half  by  the 
fire  of  the  enemy.  At  this  juncture.  General  Scott  galloped 
up  with  the  intention  of  charging  the  hill ;  but  finding  them 
so  much  weakened,  altered  his  intention,  entreating  them  to 
hold  their  ground  until  the  reinforcements,  which  were  has- 
tening up,  should  come  to  their  assistance.  A  momentary 
cessation  of  the  action  ensued,  while  additional  forces  hur- 
ried up  to  the  aid  of  each  army  ;  Ripley's  brigade,  Hindman's 
artillery,  and  Porter's  volunteers,  on  the  part  of  the  Ameri- 
cans, and  a  strong  reinforcement  under  General  Drummo'^.d 


on  thaL  Oi  the  x^ritisfi.     liinwnian  s  artincry 


»»^-»«-^^      •-»  4- #■  o  o  ri /^ '^ 


BATTLE   OF  LUNDY'S  LANE  i\c 

to  that  of  Towson,  and  soon  made  themselves  heard.  Por- 
ter's brigade  displayed  on  the  left,  while  Ripley  formed  on 
the  skirts  of  the  wood  to  the  right  of  Scott's  brigade.  The 
engagement  was  soon  renewed  with  augmented  vigor, 
General  Drummond  taking  command  in  person,  with  his 
fresh  troops  in  the  front  line  of  the  enemy.  Colonel  Jesup, 
who  had  at  the  commencement  of  the  action  been  posted  on 
the  right,  succeeded,  after  a  gallant  contest,  in  turning  the 
left  flank  of  the  enemy,  and  came  in  upon  his  reserve,  '  bur- 
dened with  prisoners,  making  himself  visible  to  his  own 
army,  amid  .the  darkness,  in  a  blaze  of  fire,'  completely  de- 
stroying all  before  him.  The  light  raged  for  some  time  with 
great  fury,  but,  it  became  apparent,  uselessly  to  the  Ameri- 
cans, if  the  enemy  retained  possession  of  the  battery,  mani- 
festly the  key  of  the  position. 

"  I  was  standing  at  the  side  of  Colonel  Miller,"  said  the 
Major,  "  when  General  Brown  rode  up  and  inquired  whether 
he  could  storm  the  battery  with  his  regiment,  while  General 
Ripley  supported  him  with  the  younger  regiment,  the 
Tiventy-third.  Miller,  amid  the  uproar  and  confusion,  de- 
liberately surveyed  the  position,  then,  quietly  turning,  with 
infinite  coolness  replied,  Til  try,  sir.'  I  think  I  see  him  now," 
said  the  Major,  "as  he  turned  to  his  regiment,  drilled  to 
the  precision  of  apiece  of  mechanism  ;  I  hear  his  deep  tonesj 
'  Tzventy.Jirst—^ttQntion  !  Support  arms ;  double  quick ; 
march !'  Machinery  could  not  have  moved  with  more  com- 
pactness than  that  gallant  regiment  followed  the  fearless 
stride  of  its  leader.  Supported  by  the  Twenty-third,  the  dark 
mass  moved  up  the  hill  like  one  body ;  the  lurid  light  glit- 
tering and  flickering  on  their  bayonets,  as  the  combined  fire 
of  the  enemy's  artillery  and  infantry  opened   murderously 


■  if  11 


M 


)',% 


Ii6 


BATTLE   OF  LUNDY'S  LANE 


upon  them.    They  flinched  not;   they  faltered  not,  as  the 
deadly   cannot-shot    cut  yawning   chasms    through    them. 
Within  a  hundred  yards  of  the  summit  a  volley,  sharp,  in- 
staneous  as  a  clap  of  thunder;    another   moment,  rushing 
under  the  white  smoke,  a  short  furious  struggle  with  the 
bayonet,  and  the   artillerymen  were  swept  like  chaff  from 
their  guns.     Another  fierce  struggle ;  the  enemy's  line  was 
forced  down  the  hill,  and  the  victory  was  ours ;  the  posi- 
tion entirely  in  our  hands;   their  own   pieces  turned  and 
playing  upon  them  in  their  retreat.     It  was  bought  at  cruel 
price,  most  of  the  officers  being  either  killed  or   wounded. 
The  whole  tide  of  the  battle  now  turned  to  this  point.     The 
result  of  the  conflict  depended  entirely  upon  the  ability  of 
the  victorious  party  to  retain  it.     Major  Hindman  was  or- 
dered up,  and  posted  his  forces  at  the  side  of  the  captured 
cannon,  while  the  American  line  correspondingly  advanced. 
Stung  with  mortification.  General  Drummond  concentrated 
his  forces,  to  retake,  by   a  desperate  charge,  the  position. 
The  interval  amid  the  darkness  was  alone  filled  by  the  roar 
of  the  cataracts,  and  the   groans  of  the  wounded.     He  ad- 
vanced with  strong  reinforcements,  outflanking  each  side  of 
the  American  line.     We  were  only  able,  in  the  murky  dark- 
ness,  to  ascertain   their  approach   by    their   heavy   tread. 
'  They  halted  within  twenty  paces ;  poured  in  a  rapid  fire, 
and  prepared  for  the  rush.'     Directed  by  the  blaze,  our  men 
returned  it  with  deadly  effect,  and  after  a  desperate  struggle 
the  dense  column  recoiled.     Another  interval  of  darkness 
and  silence,  and  again  a  most  furious  and  desperate  charge 
was  made  by  the  British,  throwing  the   whole   weight   of 
their  attack  upon  the  American  centre.     The  gallant  Twenty- 
first,  which   composednt,  received   them   with    undaunted 


BATTLE    OF  LUNDY'S  LANE 


l^f 


firmness ;  while  the  fire  from  our  lines  was  '  dreadfully  ef- 
fective.'  Hindman's  artillery  served  with  the  most  perfect 
coolness  and  effect.  Staggering,  they  again  recoiled.  Dur- 
ing  this  second  attack,  General  Scott  in  person,  his  shattered 
brigade  now  consolidated  into  a  single  battalion,  made  two 
determined  charges  upon  the  right  and  left  flank  of  the  enemy, 
and  in  these  he  received  the  scars  which  his  countrymen 
now  see  upon  his  manly  front.  Our  men  were  now  almost 
worn  down  with  fatigue,  dying  with  thirst,  for  which  they 
could  gain  no  relief.  The  British,  with  fresh  reinforcements, 
their  men  recruited  and  rested,  after  the  interval  of  another 
hour,  made  their  third  and  final  effort  to  regain  the  posi- 
tion. They  advanced,  delivered  their  fire  as  before,  and 
although  it  was  returned  with  the  same  deadly  effect,  stead- 
ily prc-ssed  forward.  The  Twenty-first  again  sustained  the 
sh.  '  both  lines  were  soon  engaged  in  a  'conflict,  ob- 

stinai.  dreadful  beyond  description.'      The  right  and 

left  of  iUicrican  line  fell  back  for  a  moment,  but  were 

immediately  rallied  by  their  officers.  '  So  desperate  did 
the  battle  now  become,  that  many  battalions  on  both  sides 
were  forced  back,'  the  men  engaged  in  indiscriminate  melee, 
fought 'hand  to  hand,  and  with  muskets  clubbed;  and  'so 
terrific  was  the  conflict  where  the  cannon  was  stationed,  that 
Major  Hindman  had  to  engage  them  over  his  guns  and  gun- 
carriages,  and  finally  to  spike  two  of  his  pieces,  under  the 
apprehension  that  they  would  fall  into  the  hands  of  the 
enemy.'  General  Ripley  at  length  made  a  most  desperate 
and  determined  charge  upon  both  of  the  enemy's  flanks ; 
they  wavered,  recoiled,  gave  way  ;  and  the  centre  soon  fol- 
lowing, relinquished  the  fight  and  made  a  final  retreat.  The 
annals  of  warfare  on  this  continent  have  never  shown  more 


ii8 


BATTLE  OF  LUNDY'S  LANE 


m 


f  ii 


desperate  fighting.     Bayonets  were  repeatedly  crossed,  and 
after  the  action  many  of  the  men  were  found  mutually  trans- 
fixed.    The  British  force  engaged  was  about  five  thousand 
men  ;  the  American,  thirty-five  hundred  ;  the  combined  loss 
in  killed  and  wounded,  seventeen  hundred  and  twenty-two, 
officers  and  men.     The  battle  commenced  at  half-past  four 
o'clock  in  the  afternoon,  and  did  not  terminate  till  midnight. 
We  were  so  mingled,"  said  the  Major, "  and  so  great  the  con- 
fusion in  the  darkness,  that  as  I  was  sitting  with  a  group  of 
officers  in  the  earlier  part  of  the   night,  on  horseback,  a 
British  soldier  came^up  to  us,  and  recovering  his  musket, 
under  the  supposition  that  he  was  addressing  one  of  his  own 
officers,  said,  '  Colonel  Gordon  will  be  much  obliged,  sir,  if 
you  will  march  up  the  three  hundred  men  in  the  road  to  his 
assistance  immadiately,  as  he  is  very  hard  pressed.'     I  called 
him  nearer,  and  pressing  his  musket  down  over  my  holsters 
made  him  prisoner.     '  What  have  I  done,  sir,'  said  the  as- 
tonished man,  '  what  have  I  done  ?'  and  to  convince  British 
officers,  as  he   supposed,  of  his  loyalty,  exclaimed,  '  Hurrah 
for  the  King,  and  damn  the  Yankees.'     As  he  was  marched 
to  the  rear,  the  poor  fellow  was  cut  down  by  a  grape  shot. 
In  another  part  of  the  field,  an  American  aid  pulled  up  sud- 
denly on  a  body  of  men  under  full  march.     In  reply  to  his 
demand, 'What  regiment  is  that?'  he  was  answered,  'The 
Royal  Scots.'     With  great  presence  of  mind,  he  replied, 
'  Halt !  Royal  Scots,  till  further  orders,'  and  then,  turning 
his  horse's  head,  galloped  from  their  dangerous  proximity. 
It  was  a  horrid  conflict.     Humanity  sighs  over  the  slaughter 
of  the  brave  men  that  fell  in  it." 

But   here  we  are,  at  the  grave-yard,  with   its  drooping 
willows  and  flowering  locusts.     Still— still— and  quiet  now. 


BATTLE   OF  LUNDY'S  LANE 


119 


No  armed  men  now  disturb  its  calmness  and  repose;  no 
ponderous  artillery  wheels  rudely  cut  its  consecrated 
mounds ;  no  ruffian  jest ;  no  savage  execration  ;  no  moan  of 
anguish  break  now  upon  its  hallowed  silence.  The  long 
grass  and  blossoming  heather  wave  green,  alike  o'er  the 
graves  of  friend  and  enemy.  The  marble  tells  the  story  of 
the  few  ;  the  many,  their  very  parents  know  not  their  resting 
place.  See  this  broken  wooden  slab  ;  it  has  rotted  off  even 
with  the  ground,  and  lies  face  downwards,  the  earth-worm 
burrowing  under  it,  in  this  neglected  corner.*  Pull  the  grass 
aside ;  turn  it  over  with  your  foot.  What  is  the  nearly  ef- 
faced inscription? 

TO   THE  MEMORY   OF 

CAPT'N  BROWN, 

OF   THE 

2 1  St  Regiment, 

WHO  DIED  OF  WOUNDS  RECEIVED  IN  ACTION,  WITH  THE   ENEMY, 
ON   THE   25TH    OF   JULY,   1814." 

And  this  is  honor!  This  is  fame!  Why,  brave  man  ! 
e'en  now  I  read  the  tribute  to  thy  bravery  in  the  bulletin  of 
the  action.  Thou  had'st  comrades — father — mother — sisters — 
to  mourn  thy  loss ;  and  now,  the  stranger's  foot  carelessly 
spurns  thy  frail  memento ;  nor  father,  mother,  sisters,  nor 
human  hand  can  point  to  the  spot  where  rest  thy  ashes. 
Peace  to  thy  manes!  brave  countryman,  where'er  they 
sleep. 

See  from  this  point  how  gently  and  gracefully  undulates 
the  battle-field  ;  the  woods  bowing  to  the  evening  breeze,  as 
the  soft  sunlight  pours  through  their  branches,  show  not  the 
gashes  of  rude  cannon  shot ;  the  plain,  loaded  and  bending 


i 


ti 


.( 


I  20  BATTLE  OF  LUNDY'S  LANE 

with  the  yellow  harvest,  betrays  no  human  ^ore ;  yon  hill- 
scathed,  scorched  and  blackened  with  cannon  flame,  the  very 
resting-place  of  the  deadly  battery— no  relic  of  the  fierce 
death-struggle,  as,  covered  with  fragrant  clover  and  wild 
blue-bell,  the  bee  in  monotonous  hum  banquets  o'er  it. 
Nought  mars  the  serenity  of  nature  as  she  smiles  upon  us. 
Yet,  burnt  in  common  funeral  pyre,  the  ashes  of  those  brave 
men,  of  friend  and  foe,  there  mingle  in  the  bosom  whence 
they  issued.  The  frenzied  passion  passed,  the  furious  con- 
flict o'er,  they  have  lain  down  in  quiet,  and,  like  young 
children,  sleep  gently,  sweetly,  in  the  lap  of  that  common 
mother  who  shelters,  with  like  protection,  the  little  field- 
mouse  from  its  gambols,  and  the  turbaned  Sultan  sinking 
amid  his  prostrate  millions.  Shades  of  my  gallant  country, 
men  !— Shades  of  their  daring  foes !— farewell.  Ne'er  had 
warriors  more  glorious  death-couch ;  the  eternal  cataracts 
roar  your  requiem. 

Note.— The  reader  is  referred,  for  further  information,  as  to  these 
battles,  to  Lossing's  excellent  History  of  the  War  of  181 2,  a  work  not 
in  existence  when  these  sketches  were  written. 


BATTLE  OF  LUNDVS  LAXE. 


I  21 


|i'  tt 


a*  1 


LAKE  GEORGE   AND  TICONDEROGA, 


i.Mlii 


hi .: 

BMl 

Mill 
iii'i! 


THE  Sun  of  Morning  hurls  himself  in  blazing  splendor 
o'er  thy  crystal  waters,  beautiful  Horicon !  as  we  float 
upon  thy  placid  bosom ;  not  as  of  yore,  in  feathery 
canoe,  but  in  gaily-colored  bark,  drawn  by  Steam  Spirit.  As 
he  vainly  strives  to  break  his  fiery  prison,  see  how  he  puffs 
and  pants  in  the  fierce  embrace  of  the  glowing  element,  in 
furious  efforts  dragging  us  onward  with  frantic  swiftness,  e'en 
as  the  frightened  steed,  the  vehicle  wildly  bounding  after 
him  ;  as  the  valve  of  safety  opens,  hear  the  shriek  of  mad  d'^- 
light  with  which  exultingly  he  proclaims  his  freedom  ;  now, 
the  iron  portal  closed,  how  like  Sampson  in  the  Prison  Mill, 
struggling,  giant-like,  he  again  applies  him  to  his  toil.  Im- 
prisoned  Spirit !  there  is  no  help  for  thee.  Sweat  thou  must, 
and  pant,  and  groan,  till— like  thy  fellow-laborer,  man, 
released  from  fire  fetter,  as  he  of  earth— resolved  to  pure 
ether,  thou  shalt  float  again  free  and  delighted  in  the  clear 
elements  above ! 

Ho !  brother  spirit,  tarry,  tarry  ;  wait  thou  a  little  till  I 
join  thee  ;  then  how  gallantly  we'll  ride!  Couched  on  sum- 
mer  clouds,  lazily  we'll  float ;  or,  glancing  on  sun  rays,  shoot, 
swift  as  thought,  'mid  the  bright  worlds  rolling  in  sublimity 
above  us.  We'll  bathe  in  the  Moon's  cold  splendor,  fan  in 
the  sultry  heat  of  crimson  Mars,  slide  upon  Saturn's  eternal 
snows;  or,  joyously  gamboling  along  the  Milky  Way,  we'll 
cha„     the  starry  Serpent  to  his  den.     Ho !  brother  spirit ; 


LAKE  GEORGE  AND  TICONDEROGA 


12 


but  we  must  bide  our  time  ;  madly  now,  in  wild  career,  thou 
sweep'st  the  placid  lake  from  under  us. 

But  whom  have  we  here  ?  A  sturdy  hunter  in  home-spun 
clad,  with  his  long  rifle ;  his  broad-chested  hounds  in  quiet, 
sleeping  at  his  feet;  our  fellow-passenger  till,  landed  on 
some  mountain-side,  he  follows  his  sylvan  war.  Clear  animal 
health  and  vigor  shine  from  each  lineament.  With  what 
open,  unsuspicious  manhood,  what  boundless  freedom,  he 
comports  himself.  Ha!  what  is  it,  hound?  What  is  it? 
Why  dost  shake  thy  pendant  ears  and  gaze  so  keenly  in  the 
distance  ;  and  why  that  plaintive  howl  ?  Ay,  ay,  hunter,  thy 
practised  eye  hath  caught  it.  On  yon  wooded  island  to  the 
windward  ;  a  noble  buck  with  graceful  form  and  branching 
antlers.  He  sees  us  not,  but  the  dog's  quick  senses  have 
caught  his  scent  upon  the  passing  wind.  Still,  boy,  still ! 
Pilot,  put  her  a  little  more  under  the  island.  Hunter,  lend 
me  thy  rifle ;  launch  the  canoe.  Come,  hunter  |  peace, 
hounds  ;  keep  the  dogs  on  board  ;  paddle  for  yonder  point. 
Now  we  shoot  upon  the  pebbly  beach  ;  now  make  her  fast  to 
this  dead  log.  We'll  steal  gently  through  the  woods  and 
come  upon  him  unawares.  Softly  ;  press  those  vines  away  ; 
whist !  avoid  the  rustling  of  the  branches ;  here,  creep  through 
these  bushes  ;  tread  lightly  on  the  fallen  leaves ;  you'll  mire 
upon  that  swampy  bottom.  Hush,  hush  ;  tread  softly — that 
crackling  branch  !  He  lifts  his  head  ;  he  looks  uneasily  about 
him.  Stand  quiet !  Now  he  browses  again ;  get  a  little 
nearer  ;  we  are  within  distance.  I'll  try  him— click.  Back 
go  the  antlers ;  the  cocking  of  the  rifle  has  alarmed  him — 
he's  off.  Here  goes ! — crack !  He  jumps  ten  feet  in  the 
air.  I've  missed  him  ;  he  bounds  onward  ;  no — yes — by 
Jove!   he's  down  —  he's  up  again  —  he  plunges  forward  — 


124 


LAKE  GEORGE  AND  TICONDEROGA 


\  .    .;,  4^ 


falls  again— he  rises— falls— he  struggles  to  his  knees— he- 
falls  !  Hurrah !  he's  ours— quick— quick— thy  coutcmi  chasse; 
we'll  make  sure  of  him.  Stop ;  stop !  Poor  deer !  and  / 
have  murdered  thee— for  my  sport,  have  murdered  thee; 
have  taken  from  thee  the  precious  boon  of  life  ;  with  cruelty 
have  broken  the  silver  chord,  which  the  beggar's  blunt  knife 
can  sever,  but  not  the  jeweled  fingers  of  the  monarch  again 
rejoin.  There,  there,  thou  liest,  true  to  the  Great  Master's 
picture : 

"The  big  round  tears  course  down  thy  innocent  nose  in  piteous  chase, 
And  thy  smooth  leathern  sides  pant  almost  to  bursting." 

Thy   life  blood  flows  apace— e'en  now   thy   large  soft  eye 
dims  in  the  sleep  of  death— and  /  have  slain  thee.     Thou 
had'st  nought  other  enemy  than  the  gaunt  coward  wolf,  or 
fanged    serpent;  him,    with    light    leaping    bounds,    thou 
laugh'st  to  scorn,  as  his  long  howl  struck   on  thy  quick  ear 
and  the  sullen  rattler,  with  many  blows  of  thy  tiny  polished 
hoof  thou  dash'st  to  pieces,  ere  from    his  deadly  coil,  his 
flattened  head,  with  glistening  tongue  and  protruded  fangs, 
could  reach  thee.     Oh  !  I  shame  me  of  my  miscreant  fellow- 
ship.    E'en  the  poisonous  serpent,  with  quick  vibrating  tail, 
did  give  thee  warning  ;  /stole  upon  thee  unawares.  Hunter! 
take  again  thy  weapon  ;  for  thee  ;  'tis  thy  vocation  ;  perhaps 
'tis  well ;  the  game  is  thine.     I  entreat  of  thee,  let  not  my  in- 
*  nocent  victim  again  reproach  my  eye-sight.     So  !  here  \%  the 
canoe;  we  again   embark;  we  rock   against  the  steamer's 
side;  and   now  again   rush    onward    in   our   swift  career. 
Islands  glide  by  us  in  countless  numbers.     The  frightened 
trout  scales  in  quick  alarm  from  the  splashing  water-wheels, 
while  echo,  mocking  their  watery  clam  or,  wakes  the    old 


LAKE  GEORGE  AND  TICONDEROGA 


125 


mountains  from  their  sleepy  stillness,  who  again,  like  drowsy 
giants,  relapse  into  repose  as  we  leave  them  far  behind  us. 


'i\ 


RUINS   OF    FORT   TICONDEROGA. 


Ticonderoga,  we  approach  thy  shore.  Ay,  true  to  appoint- 
ment, here  are  the  horses.  Mount — on  we  go,  over  hillock 
and  valley,  through^ brake,  through  briar,  through  mud, 
through  water,  through  swamp,  through  mire ;  we  gallop 
over  the  broad  green  peninsula;  leap  the  entrenchments ; 
thread  the  lines.  Here  is  the  citadel ;  descend  the  moat ; 
the  wild  dank  weeds  and  furze  o'ertop  our  heads.  Ay— 
here's  a  chasm,  a  breach  in  the  ancient  walls  ;  spur  up  ;  spur 
up  ;  now  we  draw  rein  within  the  very  centre  of  the  black- 
ened ruins.  How  lovely  the  view,  from  the  soft  undulating 
promontory  ;  the  lake  bathing  its  sides  ;  Horicon's  moun- 
tains o'erlooking  it  on  this;  the  stalwart  yeomen  of  the 
verdant  State,  free  as  the  winds,  on  that !  Oh  !  Ticonderoga, 


(•  I'll 


ill 


?:;  ii 


[    ' 


T26 


LAKE  GEORGE  AND  TICONDEROGA 


'midst   these  uncultivated  wilds;    these  silent    mountains; 
various  and  eventful  hath  been  thy  history. 

Ho  !  Old  Time— how  calmly  strok'st  thou  thy  long  grey 
beard,  as.  seated  on  the  broken  ruins,  thou  ponderest  their 
past !  Come  !  come,  old  father  !  ascend  this  crumbling  battle- 
ment— lean  on  my  shoulder— I,  as  yet,  am  straightest,— I 
will  hold  thy  scythe.  Now  point  to  me  the  drama  which 
past  generations  have  acted  upon  this  green  peninsula. 

"  What  do  I  see  ?"  I  see  the  savage  life  ;  the  light  canoe 
floating  on  the  blue  lake;  painted  warriors  spearing  the 
salmon,  chasing  the  deer  upon  the  plain,  dragging  the  surly 
bear  in  triumph ;  I  see  the  swift  paddle  chase  ;  I  hear  the 
laugh  of  children ;  the  voice  of  patient  squaws;  the  distant 
yell,  as,  rounding  the  point,  the  returning  braves  bemoan  the 
dead  left  on  the  war-path,  and,  as  the  shades  of  evening  close, 
the  sun  in  golden  radiance  retiring  o'er  the  mountains,  I  see 
them  congregate  in  wigwams  in  the  cove.  The  blue  smoke 
rises  gently  o'er  the  tree-tops,  and  all  is  still;  quiet  and 
serenity  obtain ;  the  whip-poor-will,  and  cricket,  amid  the 
drowsy  hum  of  insect  life,  keep  melancholy  cadence. 

"Stranger!  venture  not  near  them^ — the  peace  is  treach- 
erous; no  civilized  challenge  shall  give  thee  warning,  but 
the  cruel  war-shriek  wildly  ring  o'er  the  insensate  brain  as 
the  light  tomahawk  trembles  in  thy  cloven  skull." 

Wild  mist  rolls  onward  ;  I  hear  sounds  of  distant  music  ; 
the  mellow  horn,  the  clashing  cymbals  break  from  its  midst. 
Ah !  it  rises.  A  gallant  army,  in  proud  array,  with  flags 
and  banners  ;  bright  glittering  arms,  and  ponderous  artillery. 
With  alacrity  they  effect  their  landing.  They  fraternize 
with  the  red-skinned  warriors.  Their  military  lines  run 
round  like  maLrlc.     I  feel,  e'en  where  we  stand,  huge  walls^ 


LAKE  GEORGE  AND  TICONDEROGA 


127 


grim  towers  rise,  and  bastions  springing  up  around  us ;  the 
spotless  drapeau  blanc,  iiigh  o'er  our  heads,  floats  in  the 
breeze ;  wild  chansoms  of  love,  of  war,  of  la  belle  France, 
mix  with  mirth  and  revelry. 

"  Stranger,  'tis  the  quick  '  Qui  Vive '  that  doth  arrest  thy 
footstep." 

Ay— now.  Old  Time,  the  mystic  curtain  again  rolls  up- 
wards.  "  What  do  I  see  ?  "—Red-coated  soldiers  advancing 
in  proud  battalia  through  the  forest  glades,  the  sunbeams 
dancing  on  their  bayonets.  I  hear  the  sound  of  bugles,  the 
clamorous  roll  of  drums,  the  groaning  jar  and  creak  of 
heavy-wheeled  artillery.  Spread  along  the  lines,  covered 
with  sharp  abattis  and  water  moat,  I  see  the  impatient  Gaul, 
with  savage  ally,  in  ambushment,  await  their  coming ;  they 
advance  with  desperate  valor;  they  ford  the  ditch,  hew 
the  sharpened  trees  with  axes.  In  vain  ;  the  balls,  like  hail, 
from  unseen  foes  murderously  destroy  them.  Their  leader 
falls;  hark!  the  bugle  with  melancholy  wail  sounds  their 
retreat. 

Again,  Old  Time,  an  interval ;  again  red-coated  soldiers  ! 
again  groaning  artillery !  Look  up !  the  drapeau  blanc  has 
vanished;  the  meteor  flag  streams  proudly  from  the  flag-, 
staff. 

"  Stranger,  'tis  the  Anglo-Saxon's  rough  challenge  that 
gruffly  breaks  upon  thy  iear." 

Long  peace  and  silence,  old  father,  now  obtain  ;  the 
sentry  sleeps  upon  his  post ;  women  and  children  play  upon 
the  ramparts ;  but  hark !  what  is  it  far  in  the  distance  that  1 
hear?  The  sound  of  battle!  the  fusilade  of  musketry,  the 
roar  of  cannon !  I  see  Bunker's  Hill  from  light  barricade 
sweep  down  her  thousands ;  T  see  hurrying  forward  the  hardy 


fl'! 

ft'  I 

r-f^!l  -  - 


w-s 


12B 


LAKE  GEORGE  AND  TICONDEROGA 


BATTLE  OF  BUNKER  HILL. 


husbandman  with  hastily- 
caught  musket;  the  robed  di- 
vine; the  youth;  the  old  man, 
cheered  on  by  mothers,  sis- 
ters, tender  wives,  to  strike 


For  their  altars  and  their  fires, 
God,  and  their  native  homes." 


I  see  new  Nation's  symbol-Stars  and  Stripes;-and-watch- 
Now,  in  the  midnight  darkness,  through  the  fortress  moat- 
how  advance  that  fearless  band  of  men !  Lo !  in  silence  they 
penetrate  the  fortress'  centre.  Hark!  what  voice  rouses 
the  astonished  officer,  as.  starting  from  his  slumbers,  he 
meets,  close  at  his  throat,  the  bayonet's  threatening  point? 
"Surrender!"  -To  whom?"  "  The  Great  Jehovah,  and  the 
Continental  Congress!" 


LAKE  GEORGE  AND  TICOXDEROGA 


129 


ETHAN    ALLEN    AT    TICONDEROGA. 

Now  floats  the  spangled  banm  r  proudly  o'er  the  citadel ; 
patriotic  men  assemble;  armies  make  temporary  resting 
place ;  invalid  soldiers  breathe  the  health-restoring  air,  and 
age  wears  on.  Ha !  was  that  a  meteor,  flashing  from  De- 
fiance Mountain  summit?  And  there,  another?  Plunge! 
plunge!  Cannon  shot!  screaming,  yelling,  bounding  i'  th' 
very  centre  of  the  fortress. 

"  'Tis  the  Englishman  with  his  artillery." 

Quick,  quick !  St.  Clair,  withdraw  the  army  ;  the  position 
is  no  longer  tenable.  Strike  not  the  flag !  let  it  shake  de- 
fiance to  the  last !  Quick,  the  magazine — the  train  !  Ha, 
hah !  yEtna,  Vesuvius  like,  the  explosion. 

Hallo!  Old  time!  Ho!  thou  of  the  scythe!  What!  hast 
gone  ?  Am  1  ?— ay,  I  am— alone  !  Nought  but  the  blackened 
ruins,  and  the  crumbling  ramparts,  in  silence  surroundino-  me. 


iteBAil 


I     1. 1 1 


)1? 


'hi 

1 

i    i ' 

1      ; 

N 


iMONTREAL. 


OW,  in  steam  palace,  we  shoot  in  swift  career  o'er  thy 
trinquil  surface,  Lake  Champlain  ;  thy  rolling  moun- 
tains, in  wavy 
outline,  ac- 
companying 
us  in  our  rapid 
progress.  Vast 
primeval    for- 
ests   sleep    in 
stillness  along 
thy    borders. 
Their  sylvan  patriarchs,  reigning 
for  centuries,  untouched  by  wood- 
man's axe,  stretch  proudly  their 
far-reaching  branches,  till  ancient 
Time,    pointing     with    extended 
finger,  the  wild  spirit  of  the  winds 
breathes  on  them  as  he  passes,  and  they  succumb,  with  sullen 
uproar,  long  with  mock  semblance  retaining  form  and  length, 
as  if  deriding  the  puny  offspring  shooting  up  around  them  ; 
bestowing  sore  fall,  I  ween,  and  tumble  on  adventurous  hun- 
ter,  as  stumbling  through  the  undergrowth  he  plunges  pros- 

trate  o'er  them. 

Forests  immense  cover  the  [mountains,  gorges,  valleys, 
reigning  in  stern  solitude  and  silence,  save  where  the  fierce 


MONTREAL 


131 


fire-god,  serpent-like,  pursues  his  flaming  journey.  There, 
followed  by  wreathing  smoke  columns,  forward  he  leaps, 
with  fiery  tongue  licking  up  acres,  while  the  waterpools, 
hissing  in  mist,  join  in  his  escort,  and  the  wild  game,  with 
frantic  swiftness,  strive  to  escape  the  hot  destruction  of  his 
embraces.  With  steady,  noiseless  progress,  the  white  villages 
appear  and  disappear  beside  us.  Rouse's  skeleton  Tower 
looms  largely  in  the  distance ; — now,  'tis  passed. 

Thy  military  works,  and  crimson  flag.  Isle  Aux  Noix, 
town  of  St.  Johns,  Richelieu,  La  Prairie  ;  we  pass  ye  all ;  and 
advancing  in  soft  summer  atmosphere,  Chambly,  we  behold 
thy  mountain  ramparts  filling  the  far  distance.  St.  Law- 
rence,— majestic  river,  stretched  like  sheet  of  polished  steel, 
as  far  as  eye  can  reach — we  stand  upon  thy  level  shores. 
Rapid,  wide,  rushing  expanse  of  waters,  with  what  glorious 
brightness  thou  look'st  upon  thy  verdant  shores,  covered 
with  continuous  lines  of  snow-white  cottages,  and  listenest 
to  the  soft  music  of  the  religious  bells  of  the  kind-hearted^ 
cheerful  habitans,  as,  with  rude  painted  cross  upon  their 
door-posts,  they  scare  away  the  fiend,  and  joyously  inter- 
commune,  in  honest  simple  neighborhood.  La  Chine,  we 
speed  o*er"thy  surface  with  race-horse  swiftness ;  and  now 
Montreal !  beautiful — most  beautiful,  couched  at  the  foot  of 
emerald  mountain,  liest  thou  upon  the  river's  margin,  thy 
spires,  roofs,  cupolas,  glittering  in  the  sun-beams  with  silver 
radiance  ;  thy  grand  cathedral  chimes  floating  onwards  till 
lost  in  dreamy  distance.  We  land  upon  thy  granite  quay, 
measure  the  extended  esplanade,  now  climb  thy  narrow 
streets  and  alleys.  Almost  we  think  we  tread  one  of  thy 
antique  cities,  ancient  France :  alleys  narrow ;  dark  and 
gloomy  courts ;  grim  inhospitable  vv  alls ;  in  place  of  airy  case- 


^^^Bf 

;  %  [n^^^l 

^^^^^Hu^^  H 

IB 

'  ^^H 

^1 

1 

fl 

13^ 


MONTREAL 


ment,  gratings  and  chained  iron  portals,  military  barracks, 
nunneries,  prisons,   fantastic  churches,  and   Notre  Dame's 
cloud-piercing  towers,  in  huge  architectural  pile,  looming 
high  above  all.     Noisy,  chattering  habitans,  in  variegated 
waist-belts  and  clattering  sabots,  rotund  dark-robed  priests, 
lank  voyageurs,  red-coated  soldiers  and  haughty  officers,  jos- 
tle each  other  on  the  narrow  trottoir;  but,  mark!  the  sullen, 
down-cast  Indian,  in  blanket  robed,  with  gaudy  feathers  and 
shining  ornaments,  his  patient  squaw,  straight  as  an  arrow, 
her  piercing-eyed  papoose  clinging  to  her  shoulders,  silently 
following  him'in  noiseless  mocassins,  moves  along  the  kennel. 
Verily,  poor  forest  child,  it  hath  been  written,  and  Moslem- 
like,  thou  to  thy  destiny  must  bow ;  the  fire-water  and  the 
Christian  will  it ;  fold  thee  closer  in  thy  blanket  robe,  and— 
die.    See  yon  Indian  girl  standing  at  the  corner ;  with  what 
classic  grace  the  blue  fold  drapery,  thrown  o'er  her  head,  de- 
scends  her  shoulders,  as,  fawn-like,  she  stands,  avoiding  the 

rude  passer's  stare. 

Hardy  ponies,  in  light  ca'ash,  dash  through  the  narrow 
streets,  of  passengers'  safety  regardless ;  or,  tugging  at  great 
trucks,  strive,  in  renewed  exertion,  to  vociferous  cries  and 
exclamations  of  the  volatile  Canadian.  How  well  these 
Englishmen  sit  their  horses.  See  that  gentleman  ;  with  what 
delicate  hand  he  reins  his  fiery  blood  that  treads  as  if  on 
feathers,  and  how  picturesque  appear,  amid  the  motley 
throng,  these  red-coated  soldiers. 

Come  !  here  stands  one  at  the  Champ  de  Mars ;  how  mar- 
tially he  deports  himself ;  his  exactly  poised  musket  and  his 
brazen  ornaments,  how  bright!  Inscribed  upon  his  gorget 
are  the  actions  which  have  signalized  his  regiment— 
«*  Badajos,"  "  Salamanca,"  "  Vittoria,"  "  Waterloo."    We  will 


MONTREAL 


^11 


address  him.  Soldier,  your  regiment  was  at  Salamanca? 
"  S-i-rT  By  the  inscription  on  your  gorget,  your  regiment 
distinguished  itself  at  Salamanca;  "scaUid  the  imminent 
deadly  breach  "  at  "  Badajos  ;"  stood  the  Cuirassiers'  wild 
charge  amid  the  sulphurous  smoke  at  Waterloo?  "Don't 
know,  indeed,  s-i-r."  And  this  is  the  gallant  soldier !  Why, 
for  years,  under  the  menace  of  thy  sergeant,  thou  hast  scoured 
that  gorget  to  regulation  brightness  ;  for  years  hast  marched 
under  thy  regimental  colors  emblazoned  with  those  chitrac- 
ters;  and  still,  in  ignorance  need'st  a  Champoillion  to  deci- 
pher them.  Verily  thy  daily  wage  of  sixpence  and  thy 
ration  are  full  compensation  for  thy  service. 


'I 


Il'''l 


("! 


N 


THE   NUN. 


OW  as  we  pass,  look  up!     How  minute  appears  the 
colossal  statue  of  "  Our  Lady  "  in  its  niche  on  the 

vast  front  of  the  cathe- 
dral.    And  the  nunner- 
ies;   self -constituted 
prisons  for  those  whom 
God  hath  born  to  free- 
dom ;  how  like  birds  of 
evil  omen  they  do  con- 
gregate.    Here  is  that 
of    the    Grey    Order. 
Ring  at  the  gateway  ; 
we   will   enter.     Here 
we     pass    the    court- 
yard ;    how   still,  how 
gloomy,  and  how  pris- 
on-like!   This  is  their 
hospital.     Piteous  col- 
lection!  The  blind,  the 
halt,  the  maimed,   the 
hideously   deformed,   consumption,   palsy,   the   wrecks    of 
fevers !     See,  with  what  continued  torture  that   wretched 
being  writhes  in  her  fixed  position.    This  is  the  small  spark  of 
good  amid  the  brands  of  evil.    These  orphan  children  are 
kindly  cared  for,  but  where  the  child-like  joy  and  mirthful 


THE  NUN 


135 


freedom !     With  what  stealthy  step  the  officials  move  about 
their  duties  along  the  silent  corridors  !  and,  aye !  here  is  the 
chapel,  with  its  gilded  altars,  its  ornaments,  its  embroideries, 
its  bleeding  hearts,  its  sacred  symbols.      See  with  what  gen- 
tleness  the   ^^ Lady''    performs   the   servile   duties   of   the 
sanctuary  !  with  what  humility  she  bends  before  the  altar. 
How  beautiful  that  cheek  of    tint  of    Indian    shell ;   those 
dark  romantic   eyes  with  their  long    pensile  lashes ;   that 
nose    of    Grecian   outline ;    the    small    vermilion    mouth ; 
the  throat  and  neck  of   snow,  and  the  glossy  raven  tresses 
escaping  in  rich  luxuriance  from  the  plaited  coif  as  they  fall 
upon  her  sloping  shoulders.     Mournful  seems  her  devotion  ; 
now   rising,   she   stands  before  the   Mater  Dolorosa;  now 
wistfully  gazes   down  the  dark  long  corridor  in  sorrowful 
meditation.     Hush!  be  silent.     I  will  steal  gently  near  her. 
Lady !  Turn  not ;  'tis  thy   kind  spirit  whispers.    Art  thou 
content?  Does  thy  young  active  soul  find  employ  congenial 
in  these  gloomy  mysteries?  Does  thy   springing,   youthful 
heart,  sympathize  in  these  cold  formalities;  this  company  of 
grim-visaged  saints  and  bearded  martyrs  ;  with  joy  enchain 
thee?  Does  the   passionate  imagination   and   deep   feehng 
flashing  in  those  dark  eyes;  the  already  hectic  kindbng  of 
that  cheek,  look  with  pleasure  to  long  years ;  a  life  of  cold 
monotonous  routine  ;  of  nightly  vigils  ;  fastings  ;  of  painful 
mortifications  ?  Lady  !  listen.     They  chain  thy  soul.     Break 
thou  away.     Quick,  in  thy  youth,  fiy  from  them,  fly  !     One 
moment.     Speak  not.     See'st    thou   yon    cottage    peering 
from  its  green  shades  and  graveled  walks ;  its  parterres  of 
the  myrtle  and  the  lily,  its  diamond  lattice  enwreathed  and 
almost  hidden   in   the   embrace   of   sweet-smelling   honey- 
suckles and  clustering  roses  ;  and  its  interior  with  its  simple 


136 


THE  NUN 


yet   delicate   refinements?  See'st  thou  in  snowy  dishabille 
the  lovely  woman  ?  with  what  heart-felt  glee  the  frolicking, 
half-naked  child,  with  chubby  arms,  almost  suffocates  in  its 
little  embrace  her  neck ;  its   golden  ringlets  mingling  like 
streams  of  light  'mid  her  dark  tresses ;  with  what  ecstasy  she 
enfolds  him  in  her  embraces,  with  maternal  lips  pressing  in 
exquisite  delight  the  plump  alabaster  shoulders  ?  Lady,  such 
scenes,  not  gloomy  walls,  invite  thee.    Nay,  'tis  not  the  voice 
of  the  Tempter  ;  'tis  not,  as  they  will  tell  thee,  the  poison- 
ous breath  of  the  many-colored  serpent  stealing  o'er  thy 
senses.     Let  bearded  men,  wrecked  on  their  own  fierce  law- 
less passions,  seek  these  dark  cells,  these  painful  vigils,  these 
unmeaning  mortifications.     They   are  not  for  thee.     The 
world  awaits  thy  coming.     The  pawing  steed,  throwing  the 
white  froth  flakes  o'er  his  broad  chest,  impatiently  awaits 
thee.    Fly,  dear  lady,  fly  !     The  joyous,  carroling  birds,  the 
dew-spangled    meadows    cry.    Come!     The    green,   green 
trees ;  the  bubbling  water-falls  ;  the  soft  summer  breezes  ; 
the  rosy  tinted  East;  the  gorgeous  drapery  of  the  West- 
cry  to  thee.  Come !     The  voice  of  thy  lover,  frantic  at  thy 
self-sacrifice ;  the  voice  of  him  who  in  the  fragrant  orange 
bower  encircled  thy  slender  waist,   whilst,  with  heightened 
color  and  downcast  eyes,  thou  listen'd  to  his  rapid  vows ; 
the  voice  of  him,  who  with  thy  glossy  raven  tresses  floating 
on  his  shoulder,  and  thy  warm,  sweet  breath,  mingling  with 
his,  lavished   soul,   existence,  all,  on  thee,— in  agony  cries. 
Dearest,   dearest,  come  !     Nay,  nay,  'tis  but  for  thy  happi- 
ness,—I  leave  thee— exclaim  not— 1  am  gone. 


CATARACTS  OF  NIAGARA. 


INDIAN     LIFE. 


NOW — on,  on,  over  the  Chute,  and  down  the  Rapid ; 
leaping  the  Saults ;  through  the  rivers,  over  the  is. 
lands;  we  glide,  we  glide,  we  rush,  we  fly.  Ho  !  Ariel, 
beautiful  spirit,  riding  on  thy  rainbow,  shoot  not  thy  silver 
arrows  at  us  as  we  pass.  Tricksy  spirit,  fare  thee  well ; — now 
—far  in  the  distance, — fare — thee — well !  Ha !  Ha !  Old  frolic 
Puck,  sweating,  panting,  holding  thy  lubbard  sides ;  we  race, 
we  race,  we  pass  thee,  too  ;  in  vain  thou  strugglest  to  o'ertake 
us.    Farewell,  farewell!  Go  pinch  the   housemaids,  tickle 


j^g  CATARACTS  OF  AJAGARA 

With  Straws  the  snoring  herdsmen,  tumble  about  the  dusty 
mows,   sprinkle   sweet   hay   before   the   ruminating   cattle, 
clutch  by  the  tail  the  cunning  fox,  as  stealthily  he  cra^yls 
within  the  hen-roost ;  and  anon,  rub  thy  hands  in  glee  o  er 
the  embers  on  the  capacious  kitchen  hearth,  and  on  all-fours 
cut  antics  with  the  glowering  cat,  as,  with  bowed  back  and 
shining  eyes,  she  watches  thee  i'  th'  corner.     Peer  mto  the 
kettles  and  into  jars,  see  whether  the  barm  rises,  whether  the 
yeast  doth  work  ;  till  with  clash-clatter,  the  metal  lid  slips 
from  thy  fingers  on  the  hearth-stone,  and  villam-like,  thou 
shoot'stup  the  chimney,  with  "Ho!  ho!  ho !"  laughing  at 
the  sleepy   yeoman,   as  half  covered,  with   oaken   cudgel 
grasped,  shivering,  he  peers  through  the  door-crack  the  cause 
o'  th'  uproar.     Farewell,  farewell,  mirthful  goblin-farewell 
—farewell.    Ontario,  we  waft  across  thy  surface.    Queens- 
town,  thy  sanguinary  heights,  crowned  with  brave  Briton's 
monument,  we  pass  ;  and  now,  the  rising  mist-wreaths  warn 
us  of  thy  approach,   Niagara.     Huzza !  huzza !  now   for  a 
bath  under  the  roaring  Cataract !     In  what  wild  chaos  of 
waters  the  clamorous  rapids,  as  if  from  the  horizon,  rush 
down  upon  us  ;  jumping,  leaping,  boiling  in  fierce  confusion  ; 
and  this  frail  bridge,  how  it  groans  and  shakes  in  the  tor- 
rent's sweep !  A  slip  from  Mahomet's  sword-edge,  oer  the 
awful  Hades,  would  not  consign  us  to  more  inevitable  de- 
struction, than   would  a  treacherous  plank  or  rotten  beam 
from   this  shaking  platform.     We    tread   the   deep   green 
woods  of  Goat  Island,  their  mossy  trunks  covered  with  love- 
marks  of  Orlandos  and  Rosalinds ;  and,  amid  the  roar,  de- 
scend the  great  Ferry  stair-case.   Stop  a  moment  at  this  land- 
ing ;  step  out.     How  the  solid  earth  shakes,  jars  and  vibrates  ! 
How   the  wild   winds  rush  by  us,  as  the  huge,  fluid  arch 


CATARACTS  OF  NIAGARA 


139 


stretches  over  with  continuous  plunge ;  and  see  that  group 
of  wild  flowers,  scarlet,  green  and  purple,  smiling  in  beauty 
byond  the  reach  of  human  hand,  glistening  in  moisture 
midst  the  very  spray  in  the  rock  cleft.  But  haste,  haste ! 
Here  is  the  boatman.  Leap  in,  leap  in !  Now  how,  in  our 
little  cockle-shell  bark,  we  whirl  and  sport  in  the  eddies,  o'er 
the  fathomless  depths  below,  like  wing-born  insects  playing 
over  the  abyss. 

We  land  ;  ascend  the  heights ;  we  pass  the  sentry.  At 
the  tiring-iiouse.  We  robe  ourselves  for  the  enterprise; 
tarpaulin  coats,  hatj;  bound  with  old  rope,  trowsers  of  tow 
cloth,  shoes  of  cowhide ;  ha :  ha !  But  quick !  descend  the 
long  spiral  stair-case.  Now,  Guide;  we  follow.  Beware 
you  fall  not  on  these  sharp,  slippery  rocks.  We  approach. 
The  Table  Rock  hangs  o'er  us.  In  grandeur  the  solid  fluid 
mass  falls  precipitate.  Prepare.  Turn  as  you  enter ;  hold 
down  your  head ;  repress  your  breath : — are  you  ready  ? 
Rush !  We  are  beneath  the  yawning  chasm  ;  soaked  in  an 
instant.  Like  furious  rain-storm,  and  wind,  and  tempest 
all  combined,  this  wild,  frightful  roar.  What?  Scream 
louder,  louder  !  Hold  firm  by  the  guide ;  a  slip  from  this  nar- 
row ledge,  and,  whew — splash — dead  in  our  faces, — almost 
suffocated.  Turn  to  the  dripping  rock  wall,  and  catch  your 
breath  till  the  wind-rush  again  lifts  the  watery  curtain. 
Slimy  eels  glide  by  ;  darkness  deep  above,  dim  light  strives 
to  reach  us  through  the  cataract  sheets.  We  are  at  the 
extreme  verge.  Guide,  guide  ;  ha !  what  indicates  that  mo- 
tion of  thy  lips?  closer, — close  in  my  ear.  "Termination 
rock."  Turn,  turn — ^splash — swash — drenched,  suffocated  ; 
return,  return.  We  see  again  the  light.  Rush  !  We  stand 
once  more  in  the  clear  open  sunlight.     Whew  !  puff — drip- 


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140 


CA  TAR  ACTS  OF  NIAGARA 


ping-dripping,  a  shower-bath  worthy  of  old  Neptune. 
How  delightfully  our  nerves  spring  under  its  exhilarating 
influence.  Take  care;  again  these  slippery  stones.  Beware! 
beware !  here  we  ascend  again  the  stair-case.  In  the  attir- 
ing-room.    Towels,  brushes ;  Christains  once  more. 

Come ;  come !     Now  to  the  Table  Rock.     See  with  what 
treacherous  glitter  the  wide  Niagara  stretches  in  perfect 
smoothness  far  towards  Chippewa,  till,  descending  upon  us, 
it  shoots  the  rapids  o'er  their  rocky  beds  like  things  of  life, 
and  with  wild  rush  around  the  island,  sweeps  resistless  o'er 
the  awful  cataracts,  a  roaring  hurricane  of  waters.     Give 
me  your  hand— lean  forward  ;  look  into  the  abyss  ;  careful  \ 
Evil  spirits  take  us  at  advantage  at  such  times,  and  whisper 
us  to  leap  forward.     How  lashed  in  milky  whiteness  the 
huge  gulf  boils  and  foams  as  the  waters  plunge  fractured, 
disjointed,  tumbling  in  masses ;  and  the  wild  birds,  how  fear- 
lessly they  skim  amid  the  white  mist  rising  from  its  surface. 
How  the  earth  shudders  and  trembles  around  us.     You  are 
already    dizzy.     Come  back  from   the  edge.     How  awful ; 
how   terribly   sublime !     How  tame,  how  useless,  helpless, 
description!     Would  that  I,  with  voice  of  inspiration,  could 
command  language  adequate  to  portray  the  grandeur  of  the 
scene  under  stern  Winter's  reign  !     Transcendantly  beauti- 
ful !     A  thaw  and  rain,  followed  by  sudden  chill  and  cold, 
clothes  all  the  forest ;  every  hedge  and  shrub,  with  tranc- 
parent  coat  of  ice.     Gnarled  oaks,  from  massive  trunk  to 
their  extremest  twigs,   become   huge   crystal  chandeliers; 
the    evergreen    pines    and    hemlocks,   with    long    lancing 
branches,  great  emeralds  ;  lithe  willows,  sweeping,  glassy 
cascades ;  the  wild  vines,  stiff  in   silvery  trellises  between 
them. ;  the  undergrowth,  with  scarlet,  blue  and  purple  ber- 


CA  TARACTS  OF  NIAGARA 


141 


ries,  candied  fruits  ;  tiie  pools  of  frozen  water  at  their  feet, 
dark  sheets  of  adamant ;  and  ever  and  anon,  as  the  north 
wind  passes  o'er  them,  the  forest  becomes  Golconda,  Araby 
—one  Ind  of  radiant  gems,  quivering  with  diamonds,  rubies, 
sapphires,  in  glittering  splendor,  pearls,  emeralds,  hyacinths, 
chrysolites,  falling  in  showers,  as,  fractured  from  their  crack- 
ling branches,  they  strew  the  snowy  bed  stretched  smooth 
around  them;  that  wide,  smooth  river,  far  above  the 
Rapids,  ice-chained,  a  solid  snow-white  bed,  gleaming  in 
the  mid-day  sun ;  yon  Tower,  misshapen  giant  phantom,  ice 
God,  in  frozen  shroud  and  winding-sheet,  firmly  fixed  'mid 
the  swift  running  waters— huge  stalactite  icicles,  Winter's 
hoary  beard,  hanging  in  fantastic  curtains  from  each  rock 
ledge,  pinnacle,  projection ;  while  on  the  black  rapids,  the 
vast  ice-fields,  breaking  in  masses,  pile  in  wild  confusion, 
grinding  and  swaying  on  their  treacherous  holds,  till,  gath- 
ering momentum,  with  slide  and  plunge,  submerged,  they 
sweep  onward  'mid  the  wild  roar  of  the  Cataracts,  which, 
with  stern,  resistless  power,  hold  their  terrific  course ;  those 
huge'  sheets,  those  watery  arches,  those  green  beryl  masses, 
plunging  in  resistless  fury,  unabated  vastness,  with  desper- 
ate leaps  into  the  foaming  abyss  below,  the  spray  falling  in 
silver  showers,  pierced  by  the  sun's  rays  dancing  around 
them  in  countless  rainbows ;  while  the  ice  avalanches,  bre.k- 
ing  from  their  grasps  on  the  surrounding  rocks  and  preci- 
pices, with  booming  plunge  and  uproar,  fall  crashing,  buried 
in  the  dark  whirlpools,  boiling  in  the  fathomless  depths  be- 
low ;  the  dark  river,  in  torrents  of  copperas-hue,  whirling  in 
eddies,  rushing  o'er  its  deep  rocky  bed,  in  savage  contrast 
with  the  snow-covered  precipices  that  chain  it  to  its  course. 
Deep,  resistless  sweep  of  waters !  black  as  despair— Sadoc 


s 


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lilfl 


142 


CA  TAKACTS  OF  NIAGARA 


here  were  to  thee  the  waters  of  Oblivion-here  that  Lethe, 
which,  till  other  worlds  received  thee,  should  blot  existence 

from  keenest  memory.  ,  „  .  •      u 

The  voice  of  the  Unseen  addressed  the  afflicted  Patriarch 
from   the   whirlwind's   midst;  us  does  it  warn   from    this 
chained  whirlwind  of  the  waters.     Sublime,  terrible,  inde- 
scribable,  as  is  this  scene  by  human  tongue,  how  tamely  all 
its  grandeur  sinks  beneath  the  catastrophe  which  the  being 
of  future  ages  shall  survey,  or  would,  if  with  eagle's  wings 
he  could  soar  high  in  the  clouds  above  it;  when  the  narrow 
rock-belt  which   Niagara   for  by-gone  centuries  has  been 
slowly  wearing,  severed,  the  light  tract  alluvial  crumbhng 
-the  whole  chain  of  inland  oceans-Huron,  Erie,  Michigan, 
with  awful  wildness  and  destruction,  sweep  in  second  deluge 
o'er  this  outlet ;  the  adamantine  rocks  sinking  like  snow- 
wreaths  from  their  beds ;  all  principalities,  kingdoms,  states, 
whate'er  they  shall  be,  between  the  Atlantic  and  the  Alle- 
ghanies,  the  Labrador  and  Mexico,  swept  from  existence,  and 
in  their  place  a  heaving  surge,  wild  waste  of  waters.     Fool ! 
revolve  this  scene  terrific  in  thy  heart ;  ponder  it  well ;  then, 
if  thou  canst,  say,  indeed,  there  is  no  God  !    Thy  life,  at  best 
a  flickering  taper,  shall  soon  meet  extinguishment.     Then 
shall  there  be  an  eternity  to' convince  thee. 


1        ! 


MOUNT   HOLYOKE. 


HERE  we  are,  in  the  middle  of  the  month  of  August. 
The  "  world  "  have  long  since  fled  the  hot  walls  and 
blazing  pavements  of  old  Gotham,  and  even  the  very 
school-boys  are  let  loose  from  their  pale-faced  pedagogues, 
to  frolic  like  young  colts  in  the  country.  Come,  let  us  not 
remain  in  the  sweltering  city.  Throw  a  few  things  in  your 
carpet-bag  ;  that  is  sufficient.  Make  me  the  guide.  We  will 
leave  Saratoga  and  Newport  to  their  flirtations;  another 
field  is  before  us.  Now,  Eastward  ho !  shall  lie  our  course. 
Distance  and  time  are  left  behind  us ;  already  we  are  en- 
sconced at  the  Mansion  House  in  this  most  lovely  of  villages, 
Northampton. 

Well  does  it  deserve  the  name.  Come  one  moment  to 
the  corner  of  this  piazza.  Look  down  the  long  avenues. 
See  the  verdant  arches,  formed  by  the  boughs  of  the  antique 
elms,  bending  toward  each  other  in  loving  fraternity  ;  and 
the  snow-white  houses  at  their  feet,  their  court-yards  smil- 
ing with  flowers ;  and  the  still  more  smiling  faces  that  glance 
behind  their  transparent  windows.  That  will  do  ;  you  have 
stared  long  enough  at  the  demure  beauty  behind  the  green 
blinds.  Truly  it  seems,  as  it  mostly  is,  the  abode  of  retired 
gentlemen ;  a  very  Decameron  sort  of  a  place  in  this  work- 
ing-day world  of  ours.  But  are  we  not  Americans  ?  W/iy 
should  we  rest?  To  breakfast;  behold,  a  regular  Yankee 
feast.    Snow-white  bread  and  golden  butter ;  chickens  that 


'j'-SfltWW 


144 


MOUNT  HOLYOKE 


one  short  hour  since  dreamed  of  bins  of  corn  and  acres  of 
oats,  on  their  roosts  in  the  lofty  barn;  steaks,  pies  tea,  pre- 
serves the  well-browned  cakes,  and  last,  not  least,  the  spark- 
lini?  amber  cider.   Blessings  on  the  heart  of  the  nice-looking 
damsel  a't  the  coffee  urn,  with  her  red  cheeks  and  neat  check 
apron.     But,   egad !  my   dear  friend ;  prudence !  hold  up ; 
we  have  to  ascend  the  mountain,  and  you  will  not  find  the 
feast  that  you  are  stowing  away  with  such  Dalgetty  mdus- 
try  likely  to  improve  your  wind.    That  last  hot  roll  length, 
ens'  our  ascent  just  one-quarter  of  an   hour.     There!  the 
horses  are  neighing  and  impatiently  champing  the  bit  at  the 
door.    Are  you  ready  ?    Come  then.    Look  out,  lest  that 
fiery  devil  throw  you  on  the  bosom  of  our  common  mother, 
earth  !    Your  bones  would  find  her  a  step-dame ;  those  flam- 
ing  nostrils  are  sworn  enemies  to  your  long  spur  gaffs.   But 
here  we  go  !     How  balmy  and  delightful  the  cool  air  of  the 
morning ;  the  verdant  grass  rises  gracefully ;  the  wildflower 
shakes  its  tiny  bells,  and  drinks  the  dewy  diamond  glittering 
on  its  lips,  as  it  waves  gently  o'er  them.    The  rich  yellow 
sun  mocks  the  trees,  as  it  rolls  out  their  broad  shadows  on 
the  velvet  turf  oeneath ;  while  from  knoll  and  waving  mullen 
stalk,  the  meadow-lark,  with  outstretched  neck  and  piercing 
eye,  utters  his  notes  in  almost  delirious  rapture.  We  clear  the 
broLd  meadows.    Our  very  horses,  with  ears  erect,  gather 
speed  with  every  bound,  and  seem  ready  to  cry,  ha !  ha ! 
We  are  the  fabled  centaurs  of  old. 

The  heavy  morning  mist,  rising  in  1  uge  volumes,  reluc- 
tantly bares  the  forest  on  the  mountain-side ;  it  curls  and 
breaks  in  vast  masses ;  it  slowly  rolls  off.  to  the  eastward. 
Aye!  there  he  stands;  there  stands  old  Holyoke,  with  his 
cragged  coronal  of  rocks,  a  gigantic  Titan,  bidding  defiance 


MOUNT  HOL  YOKE 


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with  his 


defiance 


to  time  and  tempest.  Gallop,  gallop ;  we  are  within  two 
hundred  feet  of  the  summit.  This  precipice — its  dark  sides 
frowning  and  grim,  the  velvet  moss,  and  little  clusters  of 
scarlet  and  yellow  flowers  peeping  from  its  crevices,  where 
the  rippling  brooklet  scatters  its  mimic  showers  over  them, 
wreathed  fantastically  with  vines  and  gnarled  branches 
from  its  clefts — we  must  climb  on  foot.  Rest  a  moment. 
How  perfectly  still  the  dense  forest  extends  around  us. 
Nought  breaks  the  silence,  save  the  querulous  cry  of  the  cat- 
bird, as  it  hops  from  branch  to  branch,  the  mimic  bark  of 
the  squirrel,  or  the  distant  hollow  tap  of  the  woodpecker. 
Now,  a  little  more  climbing ;  take  care  of  those  loose  stones ; 
a  few  steps  additional  ascent ;  give  me  your  hand  ;  spring  ! 
here  we  are  on  the  rocky  platform  of  its  summit.  Is  not  the 
scene  magnificent  ?  We  stand  in  the  centre  of  an  amphi- 
theatre two  hundred  miles  in  diameter.  See  !  at  the  base  of 
the  mountain  curls,  like  a  huge  serpent,  the  Connecticut,  its 
sinuosities  cutting  the  smooth  plains  into  all  sorts  of  gro- 
tesque figures ;  now  making  a  circuit  around  a  peninsula  of 
miles,  across  whose  neck  a  child  might  throw  a  stone;  here 
stretching  straight  as  an  arrow  for  a  like  distance;  and 
there  again  returning  like  a  hare  upon  its  course.  See  the 
verdant  valleys  extending  around  us,  rich  with  the  labor  of 
good  old  New  England's  sons,  and  far  in  the  distance— the 
blue  smoky  distance — rising  in  majesty,  God's  land-marks, 
the  mountains.  See  the  beautiful  plains,  the  prairies  beneath 
us,  one  great  carpet  of  cultivation ;  the  fields  of  grain,  the  yel- 
low wheat,  the  verdant  maize,  the  flocks,  the  herds,  the 
meadow,  the  woodland,  forming  beautiful  and  defined  figures 
in  its  texture,  while  the  villages,  in  glistening  whiteness,  are 
scattered,  like  nafrhes  nf    snnw   in  everv  nnrf  of    th^  lapd- 


MVi^W 


146 


MOUNT  HOLYOKE 


H    11 


scape;  and  hark!  in  that  indistinct  and  mellow  music  we 
hear  the  bell  slowly  tolling  from  yonder  slender  spire.  Oh  ! 
for  a  Ruysdael,  to  do  justice  to  the  picture. 

Surely  God  did  not  intend  that  we  should  sweat  and  pant 
in  cities  when  he  places  such  scenes  before  us.     How  like 
the  fieicc  giants  of  old  the  lofty  mountains  encircle  it,  as  a 
land  of  enchantment.     See !   see !  the  clouds,  as  they  scud 
along  in  the  heavens,  how  they  throw  their  broad  shadows, 
chasing   each   other   on   the   plains  below.     Imagine  them 
squadrons,  cliarging  in  desperate  and  bloody  battle.     But 
no;  widows'  and  orphans'  tears  follow  not  their  encounters: 
rather  the  smiles  of  the  honest,  hard-handed  yeoman,  as  he 
foresees  his  wains  groaning  with  the  anticipated  harvests ; 
his  swellin;?  stacks;  his  crowded  granaries.     Here,  for  the 
present,  let  us  recline  on  the  broad  and  moss-covered  rocks, 
while,  wiih  the  untutored  Indian,  its  rightful  owner,  in  silent 
admiration  we  worship  the  Great  Spirit,  whose  finger  moves 
.lot,  save  in  beauty,  in  harmony  and  majesty. 


I  'li 


WHITE   MOUNTAINS. 


KNOCK!  knock!  knock!  W-e-U  Thump!  thump! 
thump!  Who's  there?  What  do  you  want?  "Pas- 
sengers  for  the  White  Mountains,  sir;  time  to  get  up; 
stage  ready."  Is  it  possible?  three  o'clock  already  ?  W-e-1-1, 
I'll  get  up.  Call  the  gentleman  in  the  next  room.  My 
friend,  how  are  you,  after  your  trip  of  yesterday  to  Mount 
Holyoke?  A  little  stiff  in  the  knees  and  ankles,  eh !  But 
come;  the  stage  is  at  the  door.  Waiter,  hold  the  light. 
How  forlorn  look  the  heavy  muddy  vehicle,  and  half-waked 
horses,  by  the  dim  light  of  the  stage-lamps.  That's  right, 
my  good  fellow  ;  throw  those  carpet-bags  inside.  Shut  the 
door.  All  ready.  Driver,  go  ahead!  "Aye,  aye!  sir." 
Hey  !  Tchk  !  tchk !  Crack !  crack !  crack  !  off  we  go.  The 
steady  clatter  of  the  horses'  hoofs,  the  jingling  of  the  har- 
ness, the  occasional  roll  as  we  pass  over  the  boards  of  some 
bridge,  and  the  intejectional  whistle  of  the  driver  as  he  en- 
courages the  horses,  are  the  only  things  that  break  the  silence 
for  the  next  hour.  The  morning  light  begins  to  dawn. 
Whom  have  we  here?  Only  two  fellow  travelers: — an 
honest,  clean-looking  countryman,  snugly  fixed  in  one  cor- 
ner, with  his  night-cap  pulled  over  his  eyes,  and  his  mouth 
wide  open,  as  if  admiring  the  melody  that  his  nose  in  bugle 
strain  is  enacting  just  above  it;  and  opposite  to  him  a  gross 
fat  man,  of  rubicund  visage,  his  eyes  ensconced  in  goggles, 
who  nods,  and  nuds,  and  nods ;  and  now  his  head  bobs  for-. 


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1 48 


WHITE  MOUNTAINS 


i  s 


ward  into  his  neighbor's  lap.  How  foohsh  he  looks  as  he 
awakes  to  consciousness.  It  is  broad  dayhght.  Let  us  get 
up  with  the  driver  on  the  outside,  and  enjoy  our  c.gars  and 
the  scenery  together. 


Here  we  go,  through 
the  Connecticut  River 
Valley,  famous  for  its 
scenery  and  its  legends ; 
the  region  of  bright  eyes 

^  ^^ and  strong  arms;  the  land 

of^'quiltings  and  huskings;  of  house-raisings  and  militia 
trainings;  and  the  home  of  savory  roast  pigs  and  stuffed 
turkeys,  of  fat  geese,  o^  apple  sauce,  and  pumpkui  pies ; 

,.,  .        'T-i    io  trv  fV'^  AT'or.L'p/^'c  imaorination.     Now  we 
the  uliima  mule  to  tn^-    xti....c.. -- 

are   at    Deerfield.      While    they    are    about    our    break- 


WHITE  MOUNTAINS  149 

fast,  we  will  run  across  the  road,  and  see  the  old 
Williams  Mansion.  A  hundred  years  since,  it  was  sur- 
rounded by  Indians,  and  its  occupants,  the  clergyman  and 
his  family,  carried  off  captives  to  Canada.  Here  is  the  very 
hole  cut  in  the  front  door  by  their  tomahawks,  and  here  the 
hacks  of  the  hatchets.  Through  this  hole  they  ran  their 
rifles,  and  fired  into  the  house,  killing  a  man  confined  to  his 
bed  by  sickness ;  and  here  is  the  ball,  lodging  to  this  day  in 
the  side  of  the  wall; — and  this  occurred  one  hundred  years 
ago !  Say  you,  that  the  people  that  treasure  up  these  leg- 
ends, and  retain  these  memorials  untouched,  have  no  poetry 
in  their  souls?  ■  But  there  goes  the  stageman's  horn  !  Our 
breakfast  finished,  we  resume  our  places  at  the  side  of  our 
good-natured  driver,  and  on  we  roll.  We  pass  Battleboro', 
snugly  ensconced  in,  its  mountain  eyrie,  and  Hanover,  with 
its  broad  parade,  its  flourishing  colleges,  and  its  inhabitants 
that  never  die — save  from  old  age. 

With  teams  of  six  and  eight  horses,  we  speed  over  hill, 
over  dale,  over  mountain,  over  valley,  ascending  and  de- 
scending the  mountains  in  full  run ;  our  gallant  horses,  al- 
most with  human  instinct,  guiding  themselves.  Snorting 
leaders,  swerve  not  aside  in  your  career ;  linch-pins,  do  your 
duty ;  traces  and  breeching,  hold  on  toughly  ;  or,  "  happy 
men  be  our  dole."  Hah !  Wild  Amonoosac,  we  greet  thy 
indeed  wild  roar.  How  it  sweeps  the  fallen  timber  in  its 
boiling  eddies !  The  huge  logs  sHde  dancing  onwards  with 
the  velocity  of  the  canoes  of  the  Indian ;  or,  caught  by  en- 
vious projection,  or  uplifting  rock,  form  dams  and  cascades, 
till  the  increasing  and  cumbrous  masses,  gathering  momen- 
tum, plunge  forward,  sweeping  all  before  them — and — but 
whist !  Step  into  the  shade  of  this  tree ;  look  into  the  dark 


•\v 


•'  I M 


:i;ti. 


i  \\ 


i' 


150 


WHITE  MOUNTAINS 


pool  beneath  those  gnarled  roots;  how  beaut.fully  the  gok 

Ld  purple  colors  glitter;  how  -'i°"'-^'^;^";;\^;^t 
how  slight  and  tremulous  th     movement  of  that  fin   the 
wa^y  motion  of  the  tail!    A  two-pounder,  as  I  am  a  Chr.s. 
taLfwhist!   whist!    See  that  dragon-fly,  gent  y  sa.Ung 
o'  r  the  surface  ;  he  rest,  a  moment  on  it.     Watch !  the  head 
,  wl    tirns;  the  fins  move  decidedly ;  ay,  now.  one  rap.d 
whirl  of  the  tail,  an  electric  leap  to  the  surface.    Poor  f^y, 
thv  history  is  written  ;  and  well  for  thee,  thou  greedy  trout 
hit  no  barbed  hook  suspends  thee  in  m,d  a.r.  struggUng  m 
beauty,  though  in  death,  the  pri.e  of  e-'Umg  angler.     And 
thou,  too,  art  there,  savage  Mount  Francoma,  w.th  thy  f""'''^- 
tica;dh;man  outline!    Old  Man  of  the  Mountam !*  w.th 
what  grim  stoicism  thou  lookest  down  upon  the  busy  mmers 
as,  wifh  picks  and  powder-blast,  they  rive  the  su Men  mmera 
fr;m  thy  vitals.    Ay!  watch  thou  by  the  lur.d  glare  the 
sweating,  half-naked  forgemen,  as  they  feed  with  thy   orests 
the  roaring  furnaces.     Watch  the  molten  ore,  slowly  run- 
ning in  glittering  streams,  with  fiery  showers  of  scmtulat.ons, 
into  the  dark  earth-troughs  below,  while,  with  ceaseless  dm 
the  ponderous  trip-hammers,  and  clanking  machmery,  break 
the,  till  now.  Sabbath  stillness  of  thy  dwelling-place.     But 
fare  thee  well,  thou  imperturbable  old  man  ;  fare  thee  well ; 
for  now  we  enter  the  dense  continuous  forest,  through  which 
the  busy  hand  of  man  has,  with  unwearied  industry,  cut  the 
avenue.     How  deliciously  the  aroma  of  the  gigantic  pines 
mingles  with  the  pure  elastic  air  of  the  mountains.     See  the 
thick  undergrowth  ;  the  dogwood  with  its  snowy  blossoms, 
the  scarlet  sumac,  the  waving  green  briar  profuse  with  deli- 
cate  roses,  the  crimson  raspberry    loaded   with  Us  fruit. 
*  Profile  of  the  Mountain. 


WHITE  MOUNTAINS 


I5i 


millions  of  bushes,  tiie  yellow  sensitive  plant,  the  dancing 
blue-bell,  and,  rising  through  the  entangled  mass  of  verdure 
and  beauty,  see  the  luxuriant  wild  grape,  and  clinging  ivy, 
joyously  rlimbing  the  patriarchs  of  the  forest,  encircling 
their  trunks,  and  hanging  their  branches  in  graceful  festoons 
and  umbrageous  bowers.  No  human  foot,  save  with  the 
aid  of  pioneer,  can  penetrate  its  matted  wildness  •  nought, 
save  those  huge  patriarchs  rising  above  it,  as  they  grow  old 
and  die,  and  fall  with  crashing  uproar,  as  into  flowery  sepul- 
chre, intrude  upon  its  solitude.  Then,  indeed,  in  heavy 
booming  plunge  and  rush,  they  seem  to  wildly  sing,  like 
their  painted  children,  their  death-song.  But  whence  that 
wild  and  dissonant  shriek,  that  rings  upon  the  ear?  Ah! 
yonder,  erect  and  motionless,  he  sits,  upon  the  towering  oak, 
with  haughty  eye  a^d  talons  of  iron,  screaming  his  call  of 
warning  to  his  partner  slowly  circling  in  graceful  curves 
high  in  the  blue  ether  above  him. 

But  see,  where,  as  the  dense  forest  stretches  onward,  the 
casual  spark,  dropped  by  the  hand  of  the  woodman,  spread- 
ing into  flame,  and  gathering  in  mighty  volumes  of  fire,  has 
swept  onward  in  its  roaring,  crackling,  destroying  progress, 
leaving  nought  behind  it  save  these  grim  and  blackened 
skeletons  and  dead  plains  of  ashes.  See  what  darkness  and 
desolation,  and  apparent  annihilation,  extend  around  you; 
but  yet,  silently  and  quietly,  ere  long,  shall  the  germ  of  life 
which  can  never  die  rise  from  those  ashes,  and  verdure  and 
beauty  reign  again,  as  was  their  wont.  Even  so  the  solitary 
mourner,  when  death  strikes  down  at  his  side  his  dearest 
ones,  stands  helplessly  encircled  by  solitude  and  desolation ; 
but  soon  all-pervading  benevolence  causes  the  green  germ 
of  the  soul  to  rise  from  the  ashes,  and  his  heart  again  expands 
with  tenderness  and  s'^rnnathv. 


i^tei!    [; 


152 


WHITE  MOUNTAINS 


The  scene  of  desolation  is  passed  !    and  now,  lest  the 
Lord  of  fire  should  reign  uncontrolled,  lo!  where  the  spmt 
of     the     whirlwind     has     swept     in     his    wild     tornado. 
Lo!  far  as  your  vision  can  command   the   circle-where 
rushmg  from  the  mountain  gorges,  his  chariots  have  whirled 
along  in  their  fierce  career  of  destruction.    In  mid  height, 
the  lofty  trees  are  snapped  like  pipe-stems,  and  prone,  hke  the 
field  of  grain  laid  by  the  hand  of  the  reaper,  lie  huge  trunks 
with  the  moss  of  centuries-not  here  and  there  one  solitary, 
but  for  miles  the  whole  vast  forest  prostrate-never  again  to 

rise.  , 

But  speed !    speed  !    the  mountain  passes  are  before  us  . 
See  the  huge  rock  ramparts  shooting  their  peaks  upward, 
their  frowning  sides  trickling  and  discolored  with  the  cor- 
roding minerals  in  their  bowels;    the   stunted    pmes  and 
evergreens   clinging   like    dwarf  shrubs  in  their  crevices. 
See  the  huge  slides-they   have  swept  whole   torrents   ot 
rocks,  of  earth,  in  promiscuous  destruction,  from  their  sum- 
mits  upon  the  valley  below  ;  the  river,  filled  and  turned  from 
its  course  in  their  path  ;  the  very  forest  itself,  the  loftiest 
trees  torn  up,  their  branches,  their  trunks,  their  upturned 
roots,  ground   and  intermixed   with    rock    and  earth,   and 
splintered  timber,  swept  on  in  wild,  inextricable  confusion ; 
and  here !  where,  starting  from  their  slumbers,  the  devoted 
fami.y  rushed  naked  and  horror-stricken  to  meet  one  in  mid 
career.     Well  might  the  Puritans  of  old  deem  these  deserts 
the  abode  and  haunts  of  the  evil  one. 

But  on,  on  ;  how  toilsome  the  ascent !  Long  since  have 
we  passed  the  region  of  vegetation :  the  dry  and  arid  moss, 
clinging  to  rock  and  stone,  is  alone  around  us.  Drink  of 
that^spring,  but  beware  its  icy  coldness  ;  not  summer  alters 


Mi\^'4 


WHITE  MOUNTAINS 


153 


its  temperature.  Behold,  in  the  clefts  and  gorges,  the 
never-melting  snow-wreaths !  The  flaming  suns  of  summer 
pass  over,  and  leave  them  undiminished.  Courage !  we 
climb ;  we  climb.  Courage,  my  friend !  We  ascend,  we 
ascend  ;  we  reach  the  top ;  now  panting,  breathless,  ex- 
hausted,  we  throw  ourselves  upon  the  extreme  summit. 

Gather  )'our  faculties  ;  press  hard  your  throbbing  heart. 
Catch  a  view  of  the  scene  of  grandeur  around  you,  before 
the  wild  clouds,  like  dense  volumes  of  steam,  enclose  us  in 
their  embrace,  shutting  it  from  our  vision ; — mountains — 
mountains — rolling  off  as  far  as  eye  can  reach  in  untiring 
vastness  ;  a  huge  sea  of  mountains  held  motionless  in  mid 
career.  How  sublime  !  how  grand  !  What  awful  solitude  ! 
what  chilling,  stern,  inexorable  silence  !  It  seems  as  if  an 
expectant  world  were  awaiting,  in  palpitating  stillness,  the 
visible  advent  of  the  Almighty  ;  mountain  and  valley  in  ex- 
pectant awe.  O  man  !  strutting  in  thy  little  sphere,  thinkest 
thou  that  adoration  is  confined  alone  to  thy  cushioned  seats, 
thy  aisles  of  marble  ;  that  for  devotion  the  Almighty  looks  to 
nought  but  thee?  Why,  look  thou  there! — beneath — 
around — millions,  millions,  millions  of  acres  teeming  with 
life,  yet  hushed  in  silence  to  thy  ear — each  grain  the  integer 
and  composite  of  a  world  ;  the  minutest  portion  a  study,  a 
wonder  in  itself — lie  before  thee  in  awful  adoration  of  their 
Almighty  Founder.  Well  did  the  Seers  of  old  go  into  the 
mountains  to  worship.  O,  my  brother  man  ! — thou  that  dost 
toil  and  groan  and  labor  in  continual  conflict  with  what  ap- 
pears to  thee  unrelenting  fate ;  thou  to  whom  the  brow- 
sweat  appears  to  bring  nought  but  the  bitter  bread  and  con- 
tumely and  shame  ;  thou  on  whom  the  Sysiphean  rock  of 
msfortune    seems    remorselessly  to    recoil — ascend    thou 


vl 


I  i    I 


»54 


WHITE  MOUNTAINS 


luther.  Here,  on  this  mountain-peak,  nor  king  nor  emperor 
are  \\\y  superior.  Here,  thou  art  a  man.  Stand  thou  here ; 
and  while  with  thy  faculties  thou  canst  command,  in  instant 
comprehension,  the  scene  sublime  before  thee,  elevate  thee 
in  thy  self-respect,  and  calmly,  bravely  throw  thyself  into 
the  all-sheltering  arms  of  Him  who  watches,  with  like  bene- 
volence  and  protection,  the  young  bird  in  its  grassy  nest, 
and  the  majestic  spheres,  chiming  eternal  music  in  their 
circling  courses  ! 


BASS  FISHING  OFF  NEWPORT. 


HERE  we  are,  at  Newport !    What  a  little  gem  of  an 
island,   risings   like    emerald  on  sapphire,   from    the 
surrounding  ocean  !   We  will  walk  up  to  the  Mall.  Ay, 
here,  with  its  green  blinds  and  scrupulously  clean  piazza,  is 

old  Mrs.  E 's,  and  they  are  at  tea  already.      Come, 

take  your  seat  at  table. 

With  what  serene  dignity  and  kindness  the  old  lady,  in 
her  nice  plaited  cap,  her  spotless  kerchief,  and  russet  poplin 
dress,  her  pin  ball,  with  its  silver  chain,  hanging  at  her 
waist,  presides  at  the  board,  crowded  with  every  imagin- 
able homely  delicacy,  from  the  preserved  peach  and  crullers 
made  by  herself,  to  the  green  candied  limes  brought  home 
by  her  grandson  from  his  last  West  India  voyage.  See  the 
antique  furniture,  with  its  elaborate  carving  ;  the  mahogany- 
framed  looking-glasses  ;  and,  in  the  corner,  on  the  round 
stand,  the  large  Bible,  carefuUy  covered  with  baize,  sur- 
mounted with  the  silver  spectacles.  No  place  this  for 
swearing,  duel-fighting,  bewhiskered  heroes  ;  but  just  the 
thing  for  quiet,  sober  folk,  like  you  and  me.  What  sayest 
thou,  Scipio,  thou  ebon  angel — that  the  ebb  sets  at  five  i' 
the  morning,  and  that  old  Davy,  the  fisherman,  will  be  ready 
for  us  at  the  Long  Wharf  at  that  hour  ?  Well,  get  yourself 
ready,  and  go  along  with  us.  Call  us  in  season.  Ay,  that 
will  do  ;  the  roll  of  those  eyes,  the  display  of  that  ivory,  to 


L.^J 


\'  h 


Ml 


h 


1 56  BA  SS  FISHING  OFF  NE  WPOR  T 

say  nothing  of  the  scratch  of  that  head  and  the  sudden  dis- 
placement  of  that  leg,  sufficiently  evince  thy  delight. 

So  so  ;  here  we  are,  punctual  to  the  hour.     Ay,  yonder 
he  is,  in  his  broad  strong  fishing-boat ;  yonder  is  old  Davy, 
as  he   was  twenty   years  ago :    the   same  tall  gaunt  fig- 
ure,  the  same  stoop  in  the  shoulders,  bronzed  visage,  and 
twinkling  gray  eyes  ;   the  same  wrinkles  at  the  side   of  his 
mouth,  though  deeper ;  the  same  long,  lank  hair,  but  now 
the  sable  silvered  ;  the  same,  the  same  that  he  was  m  the 
days  of  my  boyhood.     He  sees  us.     Now  he  stretches  up  to 
the   wharf.     Jump   in;   jump   in!     Be  careful,  thou  son  of 
Ethiopia,  or  thy  basket  will  be  overboard— sad  disappoint- 
ment to  our  sea-whet  appetites  some  few  brief  hours  hence. 
All  in.     We  slide  gently  from  the  wharf.    The  light  air  in 
the  inner  harbor  here  barely  gives  us  headway.    Look  down 
into  the  deep,  still  water,  clear  as  crystal ;  see  the  long  sea- 
weed  wave  below  ;  see  the  lithe  eels  coursing  and  whipping 
their  paths  through  its  entangled  beds  ;  and  see  our  boat, 
with  its  green  and  yellow  sides,  its  long  flaunting  pennant, 
its  symmetrical  white  sails,  suspended,  as  if  in  mid-air,  on 
its  transparent  surface. 

How  still  and  tranquil  lies  the  quiet  town,  as  the  sun  gilds 
its  white  steeples  ;  and  how  comfortable  look  the  old  family 
mansions  rising  from  the  green  trees.  How  beautifully  the 
yellow  sun  casts  his  shadows  on  .he  undulating  surface  oi 
the  island,  green  and  verdant ;  the  flocks  of  sheep,  and 
browsing  cattle,  grouped  here  and  there  upon  its  smooth 
pastures.  We  float  past  Fort  Wolcott;  its  grass-grown  ram- 
parts  surmounted  by  dark  ordnance,  and  its  fields  cheerfu' 
with  whitewashed  cottages  and  magazines. 

Av  !  now  it  breezes  a  little  ;  now  we  gather  headway,  and 


BASS  FISHING  OFF  NEWPORT 


157 


now  we  pass  the  Cutter.  See  her  long,  taper,  raking  masts, 
her  taut  stays  and  shrouds ;  and  hear,  as  the  stripes  and 
stars  are  run  up  to  her  gaff,  the  short  roll  of  the  drum,  the 
"  beat  to  quarters."  Hah !  Davy,  old  fellow,  dost  re- 
member that  note  last  war?  How  many  times,  at  mid- 
night, we've  sprung  from  our  beds  as  that  short,  quick 
'  rub-a-dub  "  warned  us  of  the  approach  of  the  blockading 
frigates,  as  they  neared  the  town.  But  no,  no,  old  tar ;  I 
recollect  that  thou  then  wast  "captain  of  thy  gun,"  on 
board  the  dashing  Essex.  Ay  !  well  now  do  I  remember, 
brave  old  sailor,  thy  conduct  in  her  last  desperate  battle. 
Eighteen  men  hadst  thou  killed  at  thy  single  gun.  1  think 
I  see  thee  now,  as,  grimed  with  powder,  spattered  with 
blood,  thou  didst  advance,  through  fire  and  smoke,  and  ap- 
proach thy  saturnine  commander  on  the  quarter-deck.  I 
hear  thy  brief,  business-like  request :  "A  fresh  crew  for 
Number  Three,  Second  Division.  All  my  men  are  killed  !  " 
And  the  short,  stern  response,  "  Where  is  your  officer?" 
''Dead — swept  overboard  by  cannon-shot."  And  well  I  see 
the  momentary  play  of  anguish  round  his  mouth,  as, 
resuming  his  hurried  walk,  he  gloomily  replies  :  "  I  have  no 
more  men  ;  you  must  fight  your  gun  yourself!"  Ay;  and 
as  thy  proud  ship  a  helpless  target  lay,  for  twice  superior 
force,  I  hear  poor  Ripley  ,  thy  brave  comrade,  severed 
almost  in  twain  by  cannon-shot,  crying,  with  short  farewell 
"  Messmates,  I  am  no  longer  of  use  to  myself  or  country," 
as  he  throws  himself,  his  life-blood  gushing,  overboard. 

But  now  the  wind  freshens,  the  smooth  surface  darkens, 
the  sails  belly  out  in  tension,  and  the  white  ripples  gather 
under  our  bows.  We  round  the  point ;  Fort  Adam^  we 
pass  thy  massive  walls,  thy  grim  "  forty-twos  "  glaring  lik 


■  i> 


I 


ir^" 


IL  'if 


158 


BASS  FISHING  OFF  NEWPORT 


i^iil 


Wild  beasts  chained,  ready  to  leap  upon  us  from  their  case 
ments      Ay  !  now  we  run  outside ;  now  it  freshens ;  now  it 
breezes  •  she  begins  to  dance  like  a  feather.    There  it  comes 
stronge;!   see  the  white  caps!     There  she  goes,  scuppers 
Inder !  swash,  swash,  swash  ;  we  jump  from  wave  to  wave, 
as  we  run  parallel  with  the  shore,  our  pennant  streaming 
proudly  behind  us.     Here   it  comes,  strong  and   steady ! 
Ce  she  takes  it-gunwale  under;  luff,  old  fellow  1  luff  up, 
Davy,  or  you'll  give  us  all  wet  jackets.     Ay  !  that  will  do  ; 
she's  in  the  wind's  eye.     How  the  waves  tumble  in  upon 
the  land  !  see  the  Spouting  Rock ;  see  the  column  of  white 
foam  thrown  up  as,  repulsed,  the  waves  roll  out  again  from 
the  rocky  cavern.    We  near  the  Dumplings,  and-Round  to . 
round  to!  here  are  the  lobster-pots;  haul  in;  tumble  them 
in  the  bottom  of  the  boat;  ay,  there's  bait  enough.     Now 
we  lay  our  course  across  to  Beaver   Light;  we  slide,  we 
dash  along,  springing  from  wave  to  wave-dash,  dash-no 
barnacles  on  her  bottom  at  this  rate,  Davy.     Ay,  here  we 
are-  a  quick  run-a  good,  quick  run.     Anchor  ner  just  out- 
side  the  surf;  ay.  that  will  do  ;  give  her  a  good  swing;  let 
her  ride  free ;   she  rolls  like  a  barrel  on  these  long  waves. 
Look  to  your  footing,  boys-steady,  steady.      Now  then, 
for  it     Davy,  you  and  Scip  will  have  as  much  as  you  can 
do  to  bait  for  us.    All  ready?    Here  goes  then;   a  good 
long  throw ;   that's  it-my  sinker  is  just  inside   the   surf. 
What !  already  ?    I've  got  him ;   pull  in,  pull  in.    See,  my 
line  vibrates  like  a  fiddle-string !     Pull  away  ;  here  he  is- 
r««^a«^-three.pounder!     Lie  you  there !     Ay,  slap  away, 
beauty ;   you've  done  forever   with   your  native   element. 
There,  again !  off  with  him.    Again-again-again.    This  is 

,      ,,     ,  -:-    j; — ;-Uo  ^f   «;f     Anthonv  ! 

fun  to  us,  but  death  to  you,  yc  uis^i^iv^  ^.  .—  j 


BASS  FISHING  OFF  NEWPORT 


159 


Give  me  a  good  large  bait  this  time,  Scipio;  that  will  do  ; 
now,  whis — whis — whis-te — that's  a  clean,  long  throw.  By 
Jupiter  !  you  have  got  a  bite  with  a  vengeance.  Careful — 
give  him  more  line— let  it  run— play  him— ease,  ease  the  line 
around  the  thole-pin ;  he'll  tak-j  all  the  skin  off  your  fingers 
else.  Pull  away  gently ;  there  he  runs.  Careful,  or  you 
lose  him;  play  him  a  little,  he  begins  to  tire;  steady, 
steady;  draw  away.  Now  he  shoots  wildly  this  way  ;  look 
out !  There  he  goes  under  the  boat ;  here  he  is  again. 
Steady  ;  quick,  Davy,  the  net !  I've  got  it  under  him  ;  now 
then,  in  with  him  !  Bass  !  twenty  pounds,  by  all  the  steel- 
yards in  the  old  Brick  Market !  Ay,  there  they  have  got 
hold  of  me  ;  a  pull  like  a  young  shark  ;  let  it  run  ;  the  whole 
line  is  out ;  quick,  quick — take  a  turn  round  the  thole-pin  ; 
snap!  There,  Davy;  there  goes  your  best  line,  sinker, 
hooks  and  all.  Give  me  the  other  line.  Ah,  ha !  again, 
ngain,  again.  This  is  sport.  One,  two,  three— nine  bass 
and  thirty  Tautaug.  So,  the  tide  won't  serve  here  any 
longer ;  we  will  stretch  across  to  Brenton's  Reef,  on  the 
other  side.  Up  anchor  ;  hoist  away  the  jib.  Here  we  go, 
again  coursing  over  the  blue  water.  How  the  wind  lulls ! 
Whew,  whew,  whew  ;  blow,  wind,  blow  !  Put  her  a  little 
more  before  it ;  that  will  do.  Hallo,  you,  Scipio  !  wake  up, 
wake  up  !  Here  we  are,  close  on  the  reef  ;  give  her  plenty 
of  cable.  Let  her  just  swing  clear,  to  lay  our  sinkers  on  the 
rocks.  That  will  do.  How  the  surges  swell  and  roar,  and, 
recoiling,  rush  again  boiling  on  the  rocks  !  So — so,  they 
don't  bite  well  here  to-day.  The  tide  comes  in  too  strong 
flood ;  well,  we  can't  complain  ;  we  have  had  good  sport 
even  as  it  is.  Come,  Africa,  bear  a  hand.  Let's  see  what 
you  have  got  in  that  big  basket.    Come,  turn  out ;  turn  out ! 


m 


v\ 


n 


^^m 


.  ft 


T  60  ^^  ^^  FISHING  OFF  NE  WPOR  T 

Ham,  chicken,  smoked  salmon,  bread  and  butter ;  an-*  i.  that 
black  bottle  ?-ay,  good  old  brown  stout.  Pass  them  a  ong, 
pass  them  along;  and  wo  be  unto  thee,  old  fellow,  if  thy 
commissariat  falls  short ! 


liiiii 


H!   . 


'''i!i"i! 


BRENTONS  REEF. 


WITH  what  sullen  and  continuous  roar  the  ocean 
waves  heave  in  upon  this  inhospitable  reef.  See, 
as  they  recede,  how  the  long,  slimy  rock-weed 
hangs  dripping,  and  how  deeply  the  returning  surge  buries 
it  again.  Oh,  never  shall  I  forget  a  scene  upon  this  horri(^ 
reef.  A  dark,  portentous  day  in  autumn,  was  followed  in 
the  evening  by  a  terrific  storm.  Low,  muttering  thunder, 
which  had  been  growling  in  the  distant  horizon,  as  the  night 
set  in,  grew  louder.  The  perfect  stillness  which  had 
obtained,  as  if  in  preparation,  was  broken  by  long  moaning 
sighs;  the  lightning  became  quick  and  incessant,  and  ere 
long  the  tempest,  like  an  unchained  demon,  came  bounding 
in  from  Ocean.  The  lightning,  intensely  vivid,  accompanied 
by  crashing  and  terrific  thunder,  illuminated  the  surround- 
ing coast  with  glittering  splendor;  the  islands,  the  rocks, 
and  yon  beacon  tower,  now  exposed  to  brightness  surpass- 
ing noon-day,  and  now  plunged  into  blackest  darkness.  The 
ocean  appeared  a  sea  of  molten  fire.  Rain — hail — dashed 
hissing  by,  and  mid  the  screaming  of  the  blast,  and  the  tor- 
rents rushing  from  the  skies,  the  huge  waves  plunged,  and 
roared,  and,  lashed  in  milky  whiteness,  broke  mast-high  upon 
these  horrid  rocks.  While  the  fishermen  in  their  cottages 
were  thanking  their  stars  that  they  were  snug  and  safe  on 
shore,  was  heard,  in  the  temporary  lulls  of  the  howling  storm, 


signal-guns  of  distres 


'he  nc 


.:~u 


borii 


in 


hab 


iLuntS  were 


i 


I'll 


illii 


iiiji 

,,.Jii! 

plliii! 


^  BR  EN  TON'S  REEF 

Ion  upon  that  point,  and,  by  the  glittering  flashes   within 
musket  shot  of  the  shore  discerned  a  Spcnish  sh.p  on  the  very 
ridge  o    the  frightful  reef;  the  stumps  of  her  masts  alone 
rer^ling;  the  surf  running  and  breaking  u,  a  contmual 
deTuge  over  her,  while  in  her  [ore-shrouds  were  congregated 
th    u,lappy  crew.    She  was  so  near  that  they  could  almos^ 
e    the  eTp'ression  of  agony  in  their  countenances  as,  w,th 
extended  hands,  the  crew  piteously  shr.eked  for  help     Tl  e,r 
situation  was  hopeless.     Nothing  could  be  done  for  them 
No  whale-boat  could  have  lived   for  a  moment,  the  surf 
Toned  in  with   such  resistless  violence.    They   could  only 
listen  in  silent  horror.    They  heard  the  very  grmdmg  of  her 
timbers,  as  shock  on  shock  hastened  her  d.ssolut.on;  and 
amid  the  fury  of  the  storm  and  their  frant.c  cnes  for  a.d  ,n 
the  momentary  lulls,  the  sickening,   contu,uous   wad  of  a 
young  boy   lashed  in  the    mid-rigging ;    h.s   supphcatmg 
exclamation,  "Ai  Jesus!    Ai  Jesus!"     Often,  years  after,  m 
their  dreams,  did  they  hear  those  plaintive  cr.es,   and  s  e 
that  young  boy's  face  turned  imploringly  to  Heaven,  wh.le 
that  "  Ai  Jesus !    Ai  Jesus ! "  rang  wildly  in  the>r  ears.    But 
a  short  time  could  human  fabric  sustain  the  ceaseless  plunge 
of  the  foaming  elements.     By  the  lightning  flashes  the  num- 
ber of  the  sufferers  was  seen  to  lessen,  as,  relaxing  their  hold, 
they  dropped  off  exhausted  one  by   one  •,    swept  mto  the 
rocky  caverns  below  ;  until,  a  longer  interval  of  darkness-a 
more  intense  flash  of  lightning-and  all  had  disappeared. 
Nought  was  left  but  the  white  foam,  as  it  rushed  tumultu- 
ously  boiling  and  coursing  over  the  long  reef.    It  was  so 
brief,  so  hurried-the  appearance  of  their  fellow  creatures 

.     ,,    . V  ifT^  ♦v^eir  di^annearance  so  sudden— that  it 

seemed  a  feverish  dream.     But  the  dead,  muflated  bodies. 


BKEMTON'S  REEF  163 

ceroons  of  indigo  and  tobacco,  and  broken  planks,  swept 
along  the  shore  on  the  following  morning,  convinced  them 
of  its  sad  reality. 

The  corse  of  the  young  boy,  iingashed  by  the   ragged 
rocks,    was   found   and  buried  apart  from  the  rest  in  the 
church-yard,  for  it  appeared  as  if  there  was,  in  his  childish 
helplessness,   a   claim   for  protection.     That  expression  of 
agony  I  ne'er  heard  since,  save  once,  and  that —    But,  Davy, 
we  have  had  all  the  sport  we  are  like  to  have  to-day  ;  get  up 
the  anchor,  and  we  will  fan  along  up  to  the  harbor.     So — let 
her  jibe  ;  now  put  her  before  it ;  ay,  that  will  do.     As  I  was 
saying  :     Shortly  after  the  close  of  the  last  war,  buoyant 
with  youth  and  hope,  I  made — what  was  then  not  so  common 
as  now — the  tour  of  Europe,  lingering  long  in  old  Spain, 
fascinated  with  the  romantic  character  of  the  countrymen 
of  Cervantes,  of  the  gallant  Moors,  of  the  Alhambra  and  the 
Cid.     It  chanced  one  evening,  strolling  about  the  streets  of 
Madrid  in  pursuance  of  adventure,  that,  passing  through  one 
of  the  most  unfrequented  squares,  I  was  attracted  by  lights 
shining  through  the  long  Gothic  windows  of  a  large  chapel 
or    cathedral.      I    approached,   and    entering    with    some 
curiosity,  found  it  entirely  silent.    No  living  soul  was  present 
within  its  walls.    The  lofty  chancel  and  altars  were  shrouded 
in  mourning.     By  the  wax  candles  on  the  altars  I  could  see 
the  fretted  arches,  the  shrines  and  monuments  along  the 
walls,  and  the  family  banners  wreathed  in  gloomy  festoons 
above  them.     I  wandered  about,  alone  and  uninterrupted. 
Nought  moved,  save  the  old   blood-stained  flags,  as  they 
fitfully  waved  to  and  fro  in  the  wind.     I  gazed  around  me 
in  admiration  on  the  rich  shrines  and  their  appropriate  pic- 
tures.   Here,  with  her  offerings  of  flowers,  the  wax  candles 


<!  >] 


'fl 


III 


lii'-'! 


164 


BRENTON'S  REEF 


burning  bright  and  clear,  was  ti,e  Madonna,  lier  lovely  coun- 
tenance  beling   with   celestial  sweetness,  as  she   looked 
down  upon  the  infant  Saviour  nestling  .n  her  arms  the  Bap- 
tist standing  at  her  knee  pressing  the  plump  httle  foot  to 
his  lips.   And  .here,  John  in  the  island  of  Patmos  h,s  eman- 
ated limbs  staring  Irom  their  scanty  covermg  of  sackc  oth, 
and  his  gaunt  features  glowing  with  inspiration    as  from 
among  the  cloud  of  scattered  grey  hair  and  venerable  beard 
with  upturned  face    he  received  from  the  flame-encrcled 
trumpet  above  him  the  Holy  Revelation.     Here,  armed  ../- 
..*;/the  chivalrous  Knights  of  the  Temple  consigned  the.r 
slain  brother  to  his  rocky  sepulchre,  as,  with  gr,m,  stern 
averted  countenances,  they  watched  the  fierce  confl.ct  and 
assault  of  the  daring  Infidel  upon  their  Holy  C.ty     And 
there  the  cross  of  Constantine  richly  emblazoned  on  .ts  altar, 
was  the  Crucifixion,  the  Saviour  extended  on  the  cross,  the 
thieves  on  each  side  of  him,  the  head  just  bowed-and  the 
awful  "A  is  finished!"   announced  to  the  nations  .n  fright- 
ful phenomena;  the  sun,  turned  to  blood,  throwing  a  lurid 
and  unnatural  glare  on  the  assembled  multitude  ;  the  war- 
horses,   riderless,  rearing    and    plunging    with     distended 
nostrils;    rolling  in  convulsions,   the  solid  mountains;   the 
affrighted  soldiery,  horror-stricken,  wildly  lifting  their  hands 
to  ward  off  the  toppling  crag,  which,  torn  from  its  foundation 
by  the  earthquake,  was  in  another  instant  to  grind  them  to 
powder  ;  while  the  Romanc  enturion,  with  curling  lip,  hold- 
in-  tighter  in  his  grasp  the  crimson  Hag,  the  "S.  P.  Q  R- 
shaking  fiercely  in  the  wild  wind,  seemed   to    deride  the 
Jew  even  in  that  dread  moment,  with  his  abject  slavery. 
And  here  was  San  Sebastian,  his  eyes  streaming  with  martyr 
tears ; — 


BUEiV TON'S  REEF 


165 


fflwPi-IP  «!. 


The  tinkling  of  a  small  bell  struck  upon  my  ear  ;  boys 
clad  in  scarlet  swung  their  censers  to  and  fro,  and  the  incense 
floated  high   above   them  to  the  vaulted   arches. 

A  train  of  monks,  in  purple  robes  embroidered  with  white 
crosses,  appeared   in   procession,  slowly  advancing  on  the 
tesselated  pavement,  bearing  on  tressels,  covered  with  dark 
pall,  a  corse,  by  the  muffled  outline,  of  manly  stature.     Two 
female  figures,  grave  servitors  with   deep   reverence   sup- 
porting them,  followed  close  the  dead.     The  deep   thunder 
tones  of  the  huge  organ  swept    upward   as  they  entered, 
wild,  grand  and  terrible,  as  if  touched  by  no  earthly  hand ; 
scarce  audible  sounds  floating  from  the  smallest  pipes  would 
catch  the  ear  ;  then  bursts,  like  the  roaring  whirlwind,  pour- 
ing in  the  whole  mass  of  trumpets,  rolling,  and  rising,  and 
falling;  the  most  exquisite  symphonies  floating  in  the  inter- 
vals until,   fainter,  fainter,  the  heart  sickened    in   efforts  to 
catch  their  tones.     Dead  silence  followed;  the  corse  was  de- 
posited in  the  chancel,  the  dark  black   pall  slowly    with- 
drawn, and  the  noble  figure  of  a  cavaher  in  the  bloom   of 
manhood,  pallid  in  death,  lay  exposed  before  us.     Clad  in 
sable  velvet,  his  rapier  rested  on  his  extended  body,  the  jew- 
eled cross-hilt  reverently  enclosed  in  his  clasped   hands,  as 
they  met  upon  his  broad  chest,  while  the  luxuriant  raven 
hair,  parted  on  the  high  forehead,  the  dark  arched  eyebrow, 
and  the  glossy  moustache  curling  on  the  lip,  added  deeper 
pallor  to  what  appeared  deep,  deep  sleep.     The  servitors 
withdrew,  and  the  mother  and  the  daughter  advanced  to  the 
last  sight  of  him  that  was  so  generous,  so  kind,  so  beautiful, 
—their  all.     The  thick  veil,  thrown  hastily  aside,  discovered 
the  furrowed,  time-worn,  grief-worn  features  of  the  mother, 
convulsively  writhing  and  working,  as,  sinking  at  its  head, 


]''   A 


[66 


BKEX TON'S  REEF 


III 


the  damp,  cold 


her  lips  pressed   in   uncontrollable  agony 
white  forehead.     The  sister,  clad  in  robes  of  purest  white- 
ness   her  golden  ringlets  dishevelled  and  floating  around 
her  'and  in  their  rich  luxuriance  almost  hiding  her  graceful 
form,  bent  o'er  him  ;  and,  as  her  gaze  met  not  the  answermg 
smile  of  kindness  and  protection  to  which  from  mfancy  it 
was  wont,  but  the  stern,  calm,  sharpened  features,  in  their 
icy  stillness,  then-as  with  frantic  sobs  her  exquisitely  femi- 
nine, almost  childish,  countenance,  streaming  with  tears,  was 
lifted  upwards,  and  her  hands  wringing  with  anguish-uttered 
in  deep  convulsive  bitterness,  that  M."  Jesus  !  "  in  smothered 
tones  again  struck  upon  the  startled  ear.     Long  silence  fol- 
lowed, unbroken  save  by  sobs,  as,  sunk  by  its  side,  they  em- 
braced the  still,  unconscious  ashes.     Slowly  the  deep  grave 
voices  of  the  monks  rose  in  solemn  tones,  and  as  their  mourn- 
ful chant  sank  into  deep  bass,  at  intervals  was  it  taken  up  by 
a  single  female  voice  in  the  choir,  which,  high  above  the 
organ  tones,  with  surpassing  sweetness  ascended  higher, 
liigher,  until  every  nook  in  the  lofty  arches  above  appeared 
filled  and  overflowing  with  the  rich  melody  ;  then,  descend- 
ing lower,  lower,  lower,  the  imagination  wildly  sought  it  in 
the  passing  wind.     The  monks  drew  near  with  uplifted  and 
extended  hands,  muttering  in  low  tones  their  benediction ; 
then  crossing  themselves,  encircling  the  corse  on  bended 
knees,  with  eyes  lifted  up  to  heaven,  uttered,  in  loud  voices: 

•'  Ora  pro  illo — mater  miserecordia;," 

"  Salvator  Hominum— Ora  pro  illo  " 

'<(9m  pro  UK  again  rose  like  a  startled  spirit  from  the 
choir,  that  single  female  voice  rising  with  an  intensity 
that  made  the  old  walls  reecho  the  petition,  and  then,  de- 


BRENTON'S  REEF 


167 


scending  like  the  fluttering  of  a  wounded  bird,  it  became 
less,  less,  and  all  was  still. 

After  a  brief  interval,  leaning  in  apparent  stupor  upon 
the  arms  of  the  affectionate  retainers,  the  ladies,  slowly  with- 
drawing, passed  again  the  chancel's  entrance,  and  the  sacred 
procession  raising  the  body,  with  melancholy  chant  bore  it 
to  the  lower  part  of  the  chapel.     I  heard  the  clank  of  iron  as 
the  rusty  portal  of   the  family  sepulchre  reluctant  turned 
upon  its  hinges  ;  and  then  rested  from  its  human  journey 
that  corse  forever.    I  made  inquiries,  but  could  learn  nought 
about  the  actors  in  the  scene  other  than  that  they    were 
strangers— a  noble  family  from  the  Havana ;  that  the  father, 
invalid,  had  died  in  crossing  the  sea,  and  the  usual  story  of 
Spanish  love,  and  jealousy,  and  revenge,  had  consigned  the 
son  and  brother,  in  the  bloom  of  his  days,  by  duel,  to  his 
grave;  and  subsequently,  that  the  mother  and  sister  had 
closed  the  history  of  the  family,  dying,  broken-hearted,  in 
the  convent  to  which  they  had  retired. 

But,  here  we  are,  at  the  wharf.  Our  rapid  journey  ap- 
proaches now  its  termination.  A  few  short  hours,  and  we 
shall  again  be  merged  in  the  ceaseless  din  of  the  city ;  the 
fair  and  tranquil  face  of  nature  change  for  the  anxious 
countenances  of  our  fellow  men  ;  the  joyous  carol  of  the 
birds,  the  soft  forest  breeze,  and  the  sea-beach  ripple,  for 
paved  streets  and  our  daily  round  of  duty  and  of  labor. 
We  have  found  "  a  world  beyond  Verona's  walls."  Perhaps 
at  future  time  we  may  again  travel  it  together.  Till  then, 
thanking  you  for  your  "  right  good  and  joUie  "  company- 
Farewell  ! 


1,    i 


OLD  TRINITY   STEEPLE. 

(Broadway,  near  the  Bowling-Green.) 


GROUND  covered  tvith  ice—Furious  storm  of  snow  and 
slcct—Ttvo  gentlemen  becloaked  and  bemuffled,  hurrying 
in  different  directions,  come  in  full  cotitact,  and,  mutually 
recoiling,  hasten  to  make  apology. 

My  dear  sir,  a  thousand  pardons!     "No,  indeed,  sir; 
'twas  I-I  was  the  offending  party."     No,  I  assure  you ;  I 
_I_    Eh!  is  it?     It  is!— my  old  friend,  the  reader.     Why, 
my  dear  friend,  you  came  upon  me  as  if  you  had  been  dis- 
charged from  a  catapult ;  a  Paixhan  shot  was  nothing  to 
you  !     But  where  so  fast  in  the  fury  of  the  storm  ;  not  to 
Union    Square?      Heavens!    man,  you    will   never   reach 
there  living;  why,  in  this  horrid   cold  the  spirits  of  Nova 
Zembla  and  Mont  Blanc  are  dancing  in  ecstasy  about  the 
fountains  in  the  parks,  and  the  very  cabs  are  frozen  on  their 
axles!     Never  think  of  it.    Come,  come  with   me   to  my 
rooms  hard  by  in  State  Street,  and,  on  the  word  of  a  bache- 
lor and  a  gentleman,  I'll  promise  to  make  you  comfortable. 
Come,  take  my  arm ;  whew  !  how  this  northwester  sweeps 
around  the  Battery  !     Here  we  are  ;  this  is  the  house ;  a  real 
aristocratic  old  mansion  ;  is  it  not  ?    Enter,  my  dear  friend  ; 
run  up   the   stairs.     Holloa!  ho!    Scip,    Scipio,  Africanus, 
\ngel  of  Darkness,  come  forth,  come  forth  !     Ay  !  here  you 


n'l  1 


OLD    TRINITY  STEEPLE 


169 


are.     And  you,  too,  shaggy  old  Neptune,  your  eyes  spark- 
ling with  delight,  and  your  long  tongue  hanging  out  over 
your  white  teeth;  down,  you  old  rascal;  down,  sir;  down! 
Now,  is  not  this  snug  and  comfortable ;  a  good  roaring  fire 
of  hickory  ?   None  of  your  sullen  red-hot  anthracite  for  me  ! 
How  the  cold  wind  howls  '■  rough  the  leafless  trees  upon 
the  Battery!     Draw  the  curtains,  Scip;  come,  bear  a  hand, 
take  the  reader's  hat  and  coat.     Invest  him  with  the  wadded 
damask   dressing-gown  that   Tom  sent  home  from  Cairo  ; 
and  the  Turkish  slippers  ;  so,  so,  row  bring  me  mine  ;  place 
the  well-stuffed  f^^^j  chairs;  roll  the  round  table  up  between 
us  ;   bring  in   the   lights.     Now,  reader,  at  your  elbow,  lo ! 
provision  for  your  wants,  material  and  mental,  genuine  old 
Farquhar  and  amber  Golden  Sherry ;  the  Chateaux  I  got 
years  since  from  Lynch  ;  and  just  opened  is  that  box  of  gen- 
uine Regalias.     Only  smell !     "  Fabrica  de  Tabacos,  Calle-a- 
Leon,  En  la  Habana,  No.  14."     Is  it  not  Arabia's  perfume  ? 
Ha!  give  me  your  smoking  Spaniard  in  his  sombrero;  e'er 
any  a  half-naked  Bedouin  of  them  all ;  or  if  indeed  you  do 
prefer  it,  there  stands  the  chibouque  coiled  up  in  the  corner, 
and  the   metaphysical  German's  meerschaum  on  the  shelf. 
There  are  biscuit  and  anchovies,  and  olives,  "  old  Cheshire," 
and  other  inviting  things   *'o-  vour  wants  physical  ;  and  for 
your  mental,  lo!  uncut  and  damp  from  the  publishers  with 
the    regular    new-book   smell — the   North    American,   Old 
Blackwood,   the   Quarterly,   the   Edinburgh   Review,   and 
other  Maga's ;  and  by  a  slight  curve  of  thy  vertebrae  cervical, 
behold,  shining  through  yon  glazed  doors,  glowing  in  gold, 
dross  to  the  gold  within,  the  great  master  bard  of  England ; 
Cervantes,  the   chosen  spirits  of   Italia  and  Gaul,  Irving, 
worthy  to  be  called  Washington ;  and  Halieck,  genuine  son 


"     t . 


j^Q  OLD    TRINITY  STEEPLE 

Of  the  voyagers  in  the  Mayflower ;  and  of  literature  much 

other  goodly  store. 

Now   Scip!  Lord  of  the  Gold  Coast,  throw  more  wood 
upon  the  fire.     Ay!  that  will  do,  my  good  old  faithful  ser- 
vant.  that  will  do.     Now  take  that  pepper  and  salt  head  of 
thine  down  to  the  kitchen  hearth,  there  to  retail  thy  legend 
and  goblin  story,  or  ensconce  thee  in  the  corner  at  thy  will ; 
Ah!  hah,  old  Neptune,  snug  in  t!' v  place  upon  the  hearth- 
rug, thy  nose  lying  between  thy  outstretched  paws  as  thou 
lookest    intently    in    the    fire,  bless    thine    honest    heart, 
thinking,  I   warrant  me,  of  the  beautiful  child  whom  thou 
didst  leap  the  Battery  bridge  to  save.     How  bravely  thou 
didst   bear  the   little  sufferer  up  on  the  fast  rushmg  tide. 
The  grateful  father  would  have  bought  thee  for  thy  weight 
in  goW,  as  thou  didst  lie  panting  and  half  exhausted ;  but 
look  not  so  wistfully,  my  dog  ;  a  sack  of  diamonds  could  not 
purchase  thee.     No,  never  do  we  part  till  death   steps   in 
between   us-and,  by    my  faith,  an'  thou   goest  first,  thou 
shalt  have  Christain  burial. 

Now,  dear  reader,  as  thou  recHnest  comfortably  in  that 
big  arm-chair,  thy  feet  in  Ottoman  slippers  resting  on  the 
fender,  the  blue  smoke  of  thy  cigar  wreathing  and  curling 
around  thy  nose  as  it  ascends  in  placid  clouds  and  floats  in 
misty  wreaths  above  thy  forehead,  the  glass  of  Chateaux, 
like  a  ruby  resting  upon  its  slender  stem  of  light,  quivering 
at  thy  elbow,  and  that  open  Blackwood  upon  thy  knee,  dost 
not,-  confess  it !-  dost  not  feel  more  kind  and  charitable  than 
if,  4ith  benumbed  fingers,  thou  wert  following  a  frozen  vis- 
age to  thy  distant  mansion  in  the  great  city's  far  purlieus? 

But,  heaven  guard  us!  how  savagely  the  tempest  roars 
and  howls  around  the  chimney-tops.     Good  angels  preserve 


OLD    TRINITY  STEEPLE 


171 


out 


the  poor  mariner  as  he  ascends  the  ice-clad  rigging,  k  ^ 
upon  the  slippery  yard,  and  handles  with  frost-benumbed 
fiigers  the  rigid  canvas  folds.     Ah  !  I  recollect,  it  was  in  just 
such  a  night  as  this,  a  few  years  since,  years  that  have  rolled 
past  into  retrogade  eternity,  that  I  was  seated  in  that  same 
arm-chair,  in  the  same  bachelor  independence,  the  lire  burn- 
ing  just   as   brightly;    the   curtains  as  snugly    drawn;  my 
beautiful  Flora  looking  down  with  the  same  sweetness  from 
her  frame  above  the  mantle  ;  my  snow-white  Venus  between 
the  piers ;  the   Gladiator  stretching  forth   his  arm   in  just 
such   proud   defiance   from   his   pedestal ;  my    Rembrandt, 
Claude  and  Rubens  flickering  in  softness  in  the  fire-light ; 
the  Fonarina  and   St.  Cecilia,  with  vase  of  incense  clasped 
and  upturned  eyes  of  deep  devotion,  hanging  in  the  same 
placid  stillness  between  their  silken  tassels,  and  that  ^olian 
harp  chiming  just  such  wild  and  fitful  strain?;  'twas  in  just 
such  a  cold  and  inhospitable  night,  that,  sitting   with  my 
legs  extended  upon  the  fender,  I  fell  into  a  train  of  rather 
melancholy  musings. 

The  clock  of  St.  Paul's  slowly  doled  out  the  hour  of  mid- 
night, and  it  seemed  as  if,  in  the  responsive  a-l-l-'-s  w-e-1-1  of 
the  watchman,  rendered  indistinct  by  the  distance,  the  spirit 
of  the  hour  was  bewailing  in  plaintive  tones  the  annihilation 
of  its  being.  Time's  brazen  voice  announced  to  unheeding 
thousands,  "  Ye  are  rushing  on  eternity."  I  thought  of  my 
friends  who  had  dropped  off,  one  by  one,  from  around  me ; 
youth  and  old  age  had  alike  sunk  into  the  abyss  of  death  ; 
consumption,  fever,  palsy,  had  done  their  work;  the  slight 
ripple  of  their  exit  had  subsided,  and  all  was  still,  as  quiet 
and  as  beautiful  as  if  they  had  never  been.  Among  others, 
was  poor  Louisa  S ,  in  the  prime  of  her  youth  and  the 


[ 


'Ma 


1  itS  rl 


IM  m 


t'i. 


172 


OLD    TRINITY  STEEPLE 


•\ 


bloom  of  her  beauty.    But  one  short  week,  she  was  the  pride 
o.f  her  friends,  the  idol  of  her  husband ;  in  another,  the  slow 
toll  of  the  village  bell  announced  her  funeral.     I  shall  never 
forget  the  scene.     The  soft  yellow  light  of  the  declining  sun 
was  streaming  through  the  lofty  elms  which  bordered  the 
rustic  graveyard,  painting  their  broad  shadows  on  the  vel- 
vet  turf,  as  the  procession  of  mourners  slowly  wended  their 
way  among  the  mounds  which  covered  the  decaying  rem- 
nants of  mortality.     Leaning  upon   a   tomb-stone  near  the 
fresh  dug  grave,  I  had  awaited  its  arrival.     The  bier  was 
placed   upon   the  ground,   the  coffin-lid  thrown  open,  and 
friends  looked  for  the  last  time  upon  the  beautiful  face,  pal- 
lid and  sharp  in  death.     Her  dark  hair  was  parted  upon  her 
forehead,  but  the  dampness  of  death  had  deprived  it  of  its 
lustre,  and  her  soft  eyes  were  closed  in  the  slumber   from 
whence  they  were  never  again  to  wake.     I  gazed  long  and 
painfully  upon  that  face,  which  appeared  to  repose  only  m 
serene  and  tranquil  sleep,  while  the  sobbing  group  reached 
forward  to  calch  a  last  and  parting  glimpse  of  it  in  its  love- 
liness.     I  could  not  realize  that  the  lovely  form  was  still  for- 
ever.     The  coffin-lid  was  replaced  in  silence,  a  suppressed 
whisper  from  the  sexton,  a  harsh  grating  of  the  cords,  and 
the  gaping  pit  received  its  prey.     While  the  clergyman,  in 
his  deep  and  gloomy  voice,  was  pronouncing  the  burial  ser- 
vice of  the  dead,  I  looked  around  upon  the  uncovered  group  ; 
the  mother  and  sister  in  unrestrained  sobs  gave  vent  to  their 
anguish,  but  the   husband   stood,  his  eyes  fixed  upon  the 
grave,  in  deep  and  silent  agony.     He  moved  not,  but  when 
the  dead  heavy  clamp  of  earth  and  stones  fell  upon  the  cof- 
fin, which  contained  the  remains  of  all  that  was  dear  to  him, 
he'gave  a  gasp,  as  if  he  had  received  a  death-wound,  but  that 


i'! 


OLD    TRINITY  STEEPLE 


^n 


was  all ;  the  thick,  convulsive  breathing,  and  the  swollen 
arteries  upon  his  temples,  showed  that  his  was  the  bitterness 
of  despair.  Ere  long,  his  wasted  form,  beneath  its  own  green 
hillock,  rested  at  her  side. 

I  had  sat  some  time,  thinking  "  of  all  the  miseries  that 
this  world   is  heir  to,"  when  gradually  my  room  became 
mazy,  the  tongs  and  fender  were  blended  into  one,  the  fire 
slowly  disappeared,  and,  to  my  utter  horror  and  astonish- 
ment, I  found  myself  swinging  upon  the   weather-cock  of 
Trinity  Church  steeple.     How  I  came  there  I  could  not  tell, 
but  there  I  was.     Far,  far  below  me,  I  saw  the  long  rows  of 
lamps  in  Broadway  and  the  adjoining  streets  shining  in  lines 
of  tire  ;  while  here  and  there  the  glimmer  of  those  upon  the 
carriages,  as  they  rolled  along,  resembled  the  ignis  fatui  in 
their  ghostly  revels  upon  the  morass.     The  bay  lay  in  the 
distance,  glittering  in  the  moonlight,  a  sea  of  silver,  the 
islands  and  fortresses  like  huge  monsters  resting  upon  its 
bosom.     All  nature  appeared  at  rest.     An  instant,  and  but 
an  instant,  I  gazed  in  wild  delight  upon  the  scene  ;  but,  as  the 
novelty  vanished,  the  dreadful  reality  of  my  situation  became 
apparent.     I  looked  above  me — the  stars  were  trembling  in 
the  realms  of  space.     I  looked  below,  and  shuddered  at  the 
distance.     I  tried  to  believe  that  I  was  in  a  dream  ;  but  that 
relief  w^as  denied  me.     I  grew  wild  with  fear ;  I  madly  called 
for  help ;  I   screamed,  I  yelled,  in  desperation.     Alas !  my 
voice  could  not  be  heard  one-half  the  distance  to  earth.     I 
called  on  angels.  Heaven,  to  assist  me  ;  but  the  cold  wind 
alone  answered,  as  it  rushed  around  the  steeple  in  its  whistle 
of  contempt.     As  my  animal  spirits  were  exhausted,  I  be- 
came more  calm.     I  perceived  that  the  slender  iron  upon 
which  the  weather-cock  was  fixed  was  slowly  bending  with 


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OLD    TRINITY  STEEPLE 


the  weight  of  my  body,  already  benumbed  with  cold.     Al- 
though  it  was  madness,  1  ventured  a  descent.    Moving  with 
extreme  caution,  I  clasped  the  spire  in  my  arms,  I  slid  down 
inch  by  inch.     The  cold  sweat  poured  off  my  brow,  and  the 
blood,  curdling  in  my  veins,  rushed  back  in  thick  and  suffo- 
cating throbs  upon  my  heart.     I  grasped  the  steeple  tighter 
in  my  agony,  my  nails  were  clenched  in  the  wood,  but  m 
vain  ;  slip,  slip,  the  steeple  enlarged  as  I  descetw;ed  ;  my 
hold  relaxed ;  the  flat  palms  of  my  hands  pressed  the  sides, 
as  I  slid  down  with  frightful  rapidity.     Could  I  but  catch 
the  ledge  below !     I  succeeded— I  clutched  it  in  my  bleed- 
ing  fingers ;  for  a  moment  1  thought  that  I   was  safe,  but  1 
swung  over  the   immense  height  in  an  instant;  the  wind 
dashed  me  from  side  to  side  like  a  feather.    I  strove  to  touch 
the  sides  of   the  steeple  with  my  knees.     I  could  not  reach 
it;  my  strength    began  to  fail;  1  felt   the   muscles  of    my 
fingers  growing  weaker.     The  blackness  of  despair  came 
over  me.     My  fingers  slid  from  the  ledge ;  down,  down,  I 
plunged— one  dash  upon  the  roof,  and   I  was  stretched  mo- 
tionless upon  the  pavement. 

A  crowd  collected  around  me.  I  heard  them  commis- 
erating my  fate.  They  looked  at  me,  and  then  at  the  stee- 
ple, as^'if  measuring  the  distance  from  whence  I  had  fallen  ; 
but  they  offered  no  assistance.  They  dispersed.  1  slowly 
raised  myself  on  my  feet;  all  was  cold  and  still  as  the  grave. 
Regions  of  ice,  an  immense  transparc  it  mirror,  extended  on 
every  side  around  me.  The  cold,  smooth  nlain  was  only 
measured  by  the  horizon.  I  found  myself  on  skates ;  I 
rushed  along,  outstripping  the  winds ;  I  ascended  moun- 
tains of  ice ;  1  descended  like  a  meteor ;  Russia,  with  her 
frozen  torrents,  Siberia,  with  its  eternal  snows,  were  behind 


ij*- 


OLD    TRINITY  STEEPLE 


7S 


me ;  miles  and  degrees  W(  ■  nothing ;  on  I  rushed  ;  Iceland 
vanished ;  with  the  speed  of  a  thunderbolt  I  passed  Spitz- 
bergen ;  days,  weeks  expired,  but  still  I  sped  forward,  with- 
out fatigue,  without  exhaustion.  How  delightfully  I  glided 
along ;  no  effort,  no  exertion,  all  was  still,  cold  and  brilliant. 
I  neared  the  pole ;  the  explorers  were  slowly  wending-  their 
tedious  way  ;  they  hailed  me,  but  1  could  not  stop ;  I  was 
out  of  sight  in  an  instant.  1  saw  an  immense  object  swing, 
ing  to  and  fro  in  the  distance  ;  it  was  the  great  and  mighty 
pendulum.  As  I  neared  it,  a  confused  noise  of  voices  broke 
upon  my  ear ;  mathematical  terms  echoed  and  re-echoed 
each  other  like  the  hum  of  a  bee-hive.  I  was  surrounded 
with  winged  chronometers,  barometers  and  magnets;  plus 
(+),  minus  (— )  and  the  roots  (y^)  were  flying  around  me 
in  every  direction,  jostling  each  other  without  mercy. 
Every  instrument  of  science  appeared  collected  in  solemn 
conclave,  for  great  and  mighty  purpose ;  but  soon  all  was 
hubbub  and  confusion.  But  amid  the  uproar,  the  giant  pen- 
dulum still  swung  forward  and  backward  with  the  noiseless 
motion  of  the  incubus ;  I  neared  it  and  saw  that  the  top  of 
the  huge  rod  was  riveted  by  the  pole  star,  which  shone  with 
the  intensity  of  the  diamond.     But,  but — 

I  saw  the  ship  approaching  among  the  distant  icebergs, 
the  great  lordly  icebergs ;  how  they  rolled  and  roared  and 
ground  against  each  other  in  the  heavy  surge !  their  huge 
sides  now  shining  great  sheets  of  silver;  now  glancing  with 
the  deep  blue  of  the  precious  sapphire ;  now  quivering  in 
the  sun's  rays,  with  all  the  hues  of  the  grass-green  emerald 
and  blazing  ruby.  Ha!  I  saw  her;  I  saw  the  gallant  ship 
threading  her  way  among  them,  as  their  castellated  sides 
towered  mountain-like  above  her.     I  made  one  spring,  one 


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176  OLD    TRINITY  STEEPLE 

gallant  spring,  and,  catching  by  her  top-mast,  slid  down  in 
safety  to  her  decks.     Her  sails  were  spread  widely  to  the 
winds,   and   recklessly   we   ploughed    our  course   onward 
through  the  icy  flood  ;  but  now  her  speed  diminished,  now 
we  scarcely  moved.    The  rudder  creaked  lazily  from  side  to 
side,  and  the  long  pennant,  supinely  resting  on  the  shrouds, 
languidly  lifted  itself  as  if  to  peer  into  the  dark  flood,  and 
then,  serpent-like,  settled  itself  again  to  its  repose.    A  sullen 
distant  roar  began  to  break  upon  my  ear  ;  it  increased  ;  our 
before  quiet  bark,  hastening,  rushed  onwards  as  if  ashamed 
of  her  dull  reverie ;  but  still  there  was  no  wind  ;  the  sea  was 
smooth  and  placid,  but  the  swelling  surge  was  thrown  for- 
ward from  her  bows  by  the  increasing  velocity  with  which 
we  dashed  along.     The  rushing  noise  of  waters  increased, 
and  sounded  like  distant  thunder ;  the  white  surges  showed 
themselves  in  the  distance,  leaping  and  jumping  with  fright- 
ful violence.     I  approached  the  captain ;  his  gloomy  brow, 
the  ghastly  paleness  of  the  crew,  as  with  folded  arms  they 
stood  looking  in  the  distance,  alarmed  me.     I  eagerly  asked 
the  cduse  of  the  appearances  before  me.     He  answered  not. 
He  stood  immovable  as  a  statue.     But,  in  a  cold  unearthly 
voice,  a  scar-marked  sailor  groaned,  "  We  are  food  for  the 
Maelstrom !  "      Can   we   not,  I  frantically    exclaimed,  oh ! 
can  we  not  escape  ?    Bend  every  sail,  ply  every  oar —    "  Too 
late,  too  late,"  echoed  again  the  gloomy  voice  ;  "  our  doom  is 
sealed."    The  finger  of  the  speaker  pointed  to  a  fiendish 
figure  at  the  helm,  who,  with  a  low  hellish  laugh,  was  steer- 
ing for  the  midst.     The  raging  waves  boiled  and  roared 
around  us ;  our  fated  f:hip  plunged  forward  ;  a  steady  resist- 
less power  sucked  us  in ;  on  we  were  hurried  to  our  fright- 
ful goal.     The  whale,  the  leviathan,  swept  by  us  ;  their  im- 


OLD    TRINITY  STEEPLE 


177 


mense  bodies  were  thrown  almost  entirely  in  the  air ;  their 
blood  stained  the  foaming  brine ;  they  roared  like  mad  bulls. 
The  zig-zag  lightning  in  the  black  canopy  above  us  was 
reflected  in  fiery  showers  from  the  spray  ;  the  thunder  min- 
gled with  the  yells  of  the  struggling  monsters ;  their  efforts 
were  vain ;  more  power  had  infants  in  giants'  hands;  the  de- 
vouring whirlpool  claimed  us  for  its  own.  On  we  were 
borne  in  unresisting  weakness ;  faster  and  faster ;  circle  after 
circle  disappeared;  we  were  on  the  edge  of  the  furious 
watery  tunnel ;  we  were  buried  in  its  depths  ;  the  long  arms 
of  the  loathsome  polypi  stretched  forward  to  seize  us  in  their 
foul  embrace— but  an  unseen  hand  raised  me. 

Green   woods,   gardens,   fountains    and    grottoes    were 
around  me.     Beautiful  flowers,  roses,  hyacinths,  and  Hlies 
clustering  in  immense  beds,  covered  the  ground  with  one 
great  gem'd  and  emerald  carpet.     The  gorgeous  tulip,  the 
amaranthus  and  moss  rose  vied  with  each  other  in  fragrant 
rivalry,  and  the  modest  little  violet  claimed  protection  in 
the  embraces  of  the  myrtle.    Fountains  poured  mimic  cat- 
aracts into  their  marble  basins,  or,  spouting  from  the  mouths 
of  sphinxes  and  lions,  ascended  in  crystal  streams,  irrigating 
with  copious  showers  the  party-colored  beds  beneath.    The 
long  vistas  were  shaded  with  the  magnolia  and  flowering 
almond,  while   snow-white   statues   watched   the   beautiful 
picture  of  happiness  around.     Birds  of  variegated  color  and 
splendid  plumage  were  flying  from  tree  to  tree,  and  it  ap- 
peared  as  if  in  their  sweet  notes,  and  the  fragrance  of  the 
flowers,  nature  was  offering  up  her  incense  to  the  Creator. 

I  was  invigorated  with  nev/  life;  1  ran  from  alley  to 
alley ;  delicious  fruits  tempted  my  taste ;  the  perfumes  of 
Arabia  floated  in  the  earthly  paradise ;  music  floated  around  ; 


178 


OLD    TRINITY  STEEPLE 


trains  of  beautiful  girls  moved  in  graceful  ballets  before  me; 
their  slender  forms  were  clad  in  snow-white  robes ;  their 
girdles  gemmed  with  diamonds;  their  alabaster  necks  twined 
with  wreaths  of  roses.  A  joyous  laugh  burst  from  them,  as 
they  danced,  now  in  circles,  now  advancing,  now  retreat- 
ing. The  circle  opened;  a  veiled  figure  was  in  the  midst; 
I  approached  ;  the  fairies  disappeared;  the  veil  was  slowly 
lifted,  one  moment ;  my  Cora !  we  were  alone  ;  we  wandered 
from  bower  to  bower ;  her  small  white  hand,  with  electric 
touch,  was  within  my  delighted  grasp ;  her  golden  ringlets 
mingled  with  my  raven  locks ;  her  dark  eyes  melted  into 
mine.  I  fell  upon  my  knee  ;  a  cold  and  grizzly  skeleton  met 
my  embrace  ;  the  groups  of  houris  were  changed  into  bands 
of  shriveled  hags ;  in  place  of  wreaths  of  roses,  their  shriv- 
eled necks  were  covered  with  the  deadly  nightshade  and 
dank  mandragora;  forked  adders  and  serpents  twined  upon 
their  long  and  bony  arms ;  I  shuddered ;  I  was  chained  in 
horror  to  the  spot ;  they  seized  me ;  they  dragged  me  down- 
ward to  the  dank  and  noisome  vault.  'Twas  light  as  day  ; 
but  'twas  a  st.  ange  light,  a  greenish  haze,  sickly  and  poison- 
ous as  if  the  deadly  miasma  of  the  fens  had  turned  to  flame. 
The  dead  men  with  burning  lamps  were  sitting  on  their 
coffins,  their  chins  resting  upon  their  drawn-up  knees,  and 
as  I  passed  along  the  extended  rows,  their  eyes  all  turned 
and  followed  me,  as  the  eyes  of  portraits  from  the  canvas. 
Ha  !  what  cadaverous  unearthly  stare  met  me  at  every  turn ; 
I  looked  on  all  sides  to  avoid  them,  but  still,  where'er  I 
turned,  the  ghastly  muffled  faces,  with  their  blanched  lips, 
and  deep  sunken  eyes  livid  in  their  sockets,  surveyed  me 
with  frightful  interest;  and  that  fierce  old  hag,  how  she 
preceded   me,  step   by  step,  her  finger  pointing  forward. 


OLD    TRINITY  STEEPLE 


179 


while  her  Medusa  head  was  turned  triumphantly  over  her 
shoulder,  with  its  infernal  leer  upon  my  cowering  form. 
Worlds  would  I  have  given  to  have  been  out  from  among 
the  ghastly  crew,  but  a  spell  was  on  me,  and  I  hurriedly 
made  the  circuit  of  the  vault,  like  a  wild  beast  in  his  cage. 
But  the  old  knight,  sitting  grim  and  ghastly  as  if  by  con- 
straint, in  the  lone  corner,  his  long  grizzly  beard  flowing  o'er 
his  winding-sheet  —  how  his  cold  grey  eye  glanced  at 
his  long  two-handed  sword  before  him,  as  I  passed,  as  if  to 
clutch  it!  I  plucked  the  o]  J  grey  beard  for  very  ire;  ha! 
what  a  malignant  and  discordant  yell  did  then  salute  my 
horror-struck  senses  !  I  gave  one  bound  of  terror,  and  burst 
the  prison  do^jr,  and — and — 

My  noble  white  charger  leaped  clear  of  the  earth,  as  he 
felt  my  weight  in  the  saddle.  I  was  at  the  head  of  an  im- 
mense army  ;  my  bold  cuirassiers  formed  a  moving  mass  of 
iron  around  me.  The  bugle  sounded  the  signal  for  engage- 
ment; peal  after  peal  of  musketry  flashed  from  the  dark 
masses ;  the  rattling  reverberating  roar  rolled  from  right  to 
left ;  the  gaping  throats  of  the  cannon  announced  in  broad 
flashes  the  departure  of  their  messengers  upon  the  journey 
of  death.  On  we  rushed,  battalion  on  battalion ;  we  stormed 
the  redoubt.  "Charge!"  I  shouted,  "charge  the  villains! 
men  of  the  fifth  legion,  follow  your  leader;  hurrah!  they 
bear  back."  I  seize  the  standard  from  a  fallen  soldier ;  I 
plant  it  upon  the  blood-stained  parapet;  horrible  con- 
fusion! the  trenches  are  choked  with  dead.  Hah!  brave 
comrade,  beware !  his  bayonet  is  at  thy  shoulder— 'tis  buried 
in  thy  heart.  I  will  avenge  thee !  I  dashed  upon  him ;  we 
fought  like  tigers ;  we  rolled  upon  the  ground  ;  I  seized  my 
dagger ;  the  bright  steel  glittered  ;  thousands  of  deep  hoarse 


'I 


I  So 


OLD    TRINITY  STEEPLE 


voices  wildly  roared :  **  The  mine,  the  mine !  beware,  be- 
ware !"  Flash  !  roar!  bodies,  earth,  rocks,  horses,  tumbrils, 
all  descending,  covered  me ;  and — and — 

I  awoke ;  the  fender  and  fire-irons  upset  with  horrid  din 
and  clatter  ;  the  table,  its  lights  and  tea-set  hurled  around  ; 
and  myself,  with  might  and  main  striving  with  mighty  effort 
to  get  from  beneath  the  prostrate  wreck,  which  in  my  terror 
I  had  dragged  above  me.  Old  Neptune,  aghast,  howled  in 
consternation,  from  the  corner,  while  a  group  of  feilow- 
boarders,  half  dead  with  laughter  and  amazement,  were 
staring  through  the  open  door  in  wonder  at  such  unusual 
uproar  from  the  lodger  in  quiet  "  No.  VI." 


OLD   SCIPIO. 


BUT  hark!  Old  Scipio  is  fast  asleep  and  snoring  like 
Talstaff  behind  the  arras.     Now  that  old  negro  is  as 
assuredly  dreaming  of  witches,  or  wrecks,  or  pirates, 
or  ghosts,  that  have  been  seen  flitting  about  the  burying- 
grounds  and  country  church-yards  at  midnight,  as  he  sits 
there.     He  is  somewhere  between  eighty  and  one  hundred, 
he  does  not  exactly  know  which ;  but  as  your  negro  keeps 
no  family  record,  it  is  safe  to  allow  a  lee-way  of  some  ten 
years  in  the  calculation  of  his  nativity.     Of  his  genealogy 
though,  he  is  quite  sure,  for  he  proves  beyond  a  doubt,  that 
he  is  the  son  of  Job,  who  was  the  son  of  Pomp,  who  was 
the  son  of  Caleb,  who  was  the  son  of  Cassar,  who  was  the 
son  of  Cudjoe,  who  was  caught  in  Africa.     His  whole  life 
has  been  passed  in  and  about  the  shores  of  Long  Island 
Sound,  and  he  is  not  only  a  veritable  chronicle  of  the  mili- 
tary adventures  that  have  been  enacted  upon  its  borders  in 
the  American  wars,  but  his  head  is  a  complete  storehouse, 
stuffed  to  overflowing  with  all  sorts  of  legendary  lore  of 
wrecks,  of  pirates,  of  murders  and  fights,  and  deeds  unholy, 
of  massacres,  bombardments  and  burnings,  all  jumbled  up 
in   such  inexplicable  confusion,  history  and   legend,  truth 
and  fiction,  that  it  is  almost  impossible  to  divide  the  one 
from  the  other.     Sometimes  in  the  cold  winter  nights,  when 
the  storm  is  howling,  as  it  does  now,  I  put  him  upon  the 
track,  and  upon  my  word,  the  influence  of  his  gossip  told  in 


l82 


OLD   SCIPIO 


drowsy  undertone  is  such,  that  I  find  it  a  matter  of  serious 
question,  whether  the  most  monstrous  things  in  the  way  ot 
the  supernatural,  are  by  any  means  matter  of  wonderment; 
and  fully  concede,  that  men  may  have  been  seen  walking 
about  with  their  heads  under  their  arms,  vanishing  in  smoke 
upon  being  addressed  ;  that  old  fishermen  have  sculled  about 
the  creeks  and  bays  in  their  coffins,  after  they  were  dead 
and  buried  ;  that  gibbets  are  of  necessity  surrounded  by 
ghosts,  and  that  prophecies  and  predictions,  and  witchcraft 
are,  and  must  be,  true  as  holy  writ. 

Indeed,  with  all  the  sad  realities  of  life  about  me,  I  find 
it  refreshing  to  have  my  soul  let  loose  occasionally,  to  wan- 
der  forth,  to  frolic  and  ^^^ambol,  and  stare,  without  any  con- 
ventional rule,  or  let,  or  hindrance  to  restrain  it.  In  how 
many  adventures  has  that  good  old  negro,  quietly  sleeping 
in  the  corner,  been  my  guide  and  pilot.  In  our  shooting, 
and  fishing  and  sailing  excursions,  the  shores  of  the  Sound 
became  as  familiar  to  us  as  our  own  firesides,  and  the  dark 
black  rocks,  with  their  round  and  kelp-covered  sides,  as  the 
faces  of  old  friends  and  acquaintances. 

At  a  little  village  upon  the  western  borders  of  Long 
Island  Sound  I  passed  my  school-boy  days,  and  there  it  was 
that  the  old  negro,  formerly  a  slave,  but  long  liberated,  and 
in  part  supported  by  my  family,  had  his  hut.  There  it  was 
that  under  his  influence  I  thoroughly  contracted  the  love  of 
adventure  which,  in  the  retrospect,  still  throws  a  sort  of 
world  of  my  own  around  me.  All  sport,  whether  in  winter 
or  summer,  night  or  day,  rain  or  shine,  was  alike  to  me  the 
same,  and  sooth  to  say,  if  sundry  floggings,  for  truant  days, 
had  been  administered  to  Old  Scip  instead  of  me,  the  scale 
of  justice  had  not  unduly  preponderated  ;  for  his  boats,  and 


OLD  SCI P 10  183 

rods,  and  nets,  to  say  nothing  of  his  musket  which  had  be- 
longed to  a  Hessian,  and  the  long  bell-mouthed  French  fusee, 
were  always  sedulously  and  invitingly  placed  at  my  control. 
The  old  negro  was  sure  to  meet  me  as  I  bounded  from  the 
school-room  with  advice  of  how  the  tides  would  serve,  and 
how  the  game  would  lie,  and  his  words  winding  up  his  in- 
formation in  a  low  confidential  undertone  still  ring  upon  my 
ear,  "  P'rhaps  young  massa  like  to  go  wid  old  nigger." 

His  snug  little  hut  down  at  the  creek-side  was  covered, 
and  patched,  and  thatched,  with  all  the  experiments  of  years 
to  add  to  its  warmth  and  comfort;  its  gables  and  chimney 
surmounted  with  little  weathercocks  and  windmills  spinning 
most  furiously  at  every  whiff  of  wind,  its  sides  covered  with 
muskrat  and  loon  skins  nailed  up  to   dry,  and  fishing-rods 
and  spears  of  all  sizes  and  dimensions  piled  against  them, 
the  ducks  and  geese  paddling  about  the  threshhold  and  his 
great  fat  hog  grunting  m  loving  proximity  to  the  door-way  ; 
while  its  interior  was  garnished  with  pots  and  kettles  and 
other  culinary  utensils,  the  trusty  old  musket  hanging  on  its 
hooks  above  the  chimney  place,  the  fish-nets  and  bird-decoys 
lying  in  the  corners,  and  the  whitewashed  walls  garnished 
and  covered  with  pictures  and  colored  prints  of  the  most 
negro  taste,  indigo  and  scarlet,  naval  fights,  men  hanging  on 
gibbets,  monstrous  apparitions  which  had  been  seen,  lament- 
able ballads,  and  old  Satan  himself  in  veritable  semblance, 
tail,  horns  and  claws,  precisely  as  he  appeared  in  the  year 
Anno  Domini   1763;  and  under  the  little  square  mahogany 
framed  fly-specked  looking-glass,  his  Satanic  Majesty  again 
in  full  scarlet  uniform  as  British  Colonel  with  a  party  of 
ladies  and  gentlemen  playing  cards,  his  tail  quietly  curled 
around  one  of  the  legs  of  his  arm-chair,  and  the  horse-hoof 


184  OLD   SCIPIO 

ill  disguised  by  the  great  rose  upon  his  shoe.  But  Scip  was 
safe  against  all  such  diabolical  influence,  for  he  had  the 
charmed   horse-shoe  firmly  nailed  over  the  entrance  of  his 

door. 

How  often  have  I  silently  climbed  out  of  my  window  and 
stealthily  crept  down  the  ladder  which  passed  it,  long  and  long 
before  the  dawn,  with  my  fowling-piece  upon  my  shoulder, 
and  by  the  fitful  moonlight  wended,  half  scared,  my  way 
through  the  rustic  roads  and  lanes,  leaping  the  fences,  sat- 
urated with  the  night-dew  from  the  long  wet  grass,  the  stars 
twinkling  in  the  heavens,  as  the  wild  scudding  clouds  passed 
o'er  them,  and  nothing  to  break  the  perfect  stillness.  How 
often  at  such  times  have  I  stopped  and  stared  at  some  sus- 
picious object  looming  up  before  me,  till,  mustering  courage, 
1  have  cocked  my  piece  and,  advancing  at  a  trail,  discovered 
in  the  object  of  my  terror  a  dozing  horse,  or  patient  ox,  or 
cow  quietly  ruminating  at  the  road-side. 

How  often  have  I  sprung  suddenly  aside,  my  hair  stand- 
ing on  end,  as  a  stealthy  fox  or  prowling  dog  rushed  by  me 
into  the  bushes,  and  felt  my  blood  tingle  *o  my  very  fingers' 
ends,  as  some  bird  of  prey  raised  himseli  with  an  uneasy 
scream  and  settled  again  upon  the  tree-tops,  as  I  passed  be- 
neath. How  I  used  to  screw  my  courage  up  as,  with  long 
strides  and  studiously  averted  eyes,  I  hurried  past  the 
dreaded  grave-yard  ;  and  as  I  came  upon  the  borders  of  the 
winding  creek,  and  walked  splashing  through  its  ponds  and 
shallows,  how  would  I  crouch  and  scan  through  the  dim 
light  to  catch  a  glimpse  of  some  stray  flock  of  ducks  or 
teal,  that  might  be  feeding  upon  its  sedges.  How  would  I 
bend  and  stoop  as  I  saw  them  delightfully  huddled  in  a 
cluster,  till  getting  near  I  would  find  an  envious  bend  of 


OLD  SCIPIO 


i«5 


long  distance   to  be  measured  before  I  could  get  a  shot. 
How  patiently  would  I  creep  along,  and  stop,  and  crouch, 
and  stop,  till  getting  near,  and  nearer,  a  sudden  slump  into 
some  unseen  bog  or  ditch  would  be  followed  by  a  quick 
«'  quack,"  "  quack,"  and  off  they'd  go,  far  out  of  reach  of 
shot  or  call.     But  all  would  be  forgotten  when  I  reached  the 
old  Negro's  hut.    There  a  hot  corn-cake  and  broiled  fish  or 
bird  was  always  on  the  coals  to  stay  my  appetite,  and  then 
off  we'd  sally  to  the  bar  to  lie  in  wait  for  the  wild  fowl  as  they 
came  over  at  day-break.    The  snipe  in  little  clouds  would 
start  up  with  their  sharp  "  pewhit "  before  us,  as  we  meas- 
ured the  broad  hard  flats  left  damp  and  smooth  by  the  re- 
ceding tide ;  the  Kildare  with  querulous  cry  would  wing 
away  his  flight,  and  the  great  gaunt  cranes,  looming,  spectre- 
like, in  the  moonlight,  sluggishly  stalking  onwards,  would 
clumsily  lift  their  long  legs  in  silence  as  we  advanced,  and 
fan  themselves  a  little  farther  from  our  proximity. 

Arriving,  we  would  lay  ourselves  down,  and  on  the  stones 
await  the  breaking  of  the  dawn,  when  the  wild  fowl  feeding 
within  the  bay  arise  and  fly  to  the  southward  over  it.     Dark 
objects,  one  after  another,  would  glide  by  us,  and  in  silence 
take  their  places  along  the  bar,  bent  on  the  same  sport  that 
we  were  awaiting,  and  nothing  would  break  the  stillness 
save  the  gentle  wash  and  ripple  of  the  waves  upon  the  sands. 
or  the  uneasy  and  discordant  cry  of  the  oldwives,  feeding 
on  the  long  sedge  within  the  wide-extended  bay.    The  stars 
would  ere  long  begin   to  fade,  the  east  grow  gray,   then 
streaked  with  light,  and  every  sportsman's  piece  be  cocked 
with  eager  expectation.    A  flash,  a  puff  of  smoke  at  the  ex- 
treme end,  showed  that  a  flock  had  risen,  and  simultaneously 
birds  would  be  seen  tumbling  headlong.     As  the  astonished 


i   itl 


Am 


% 


M 


1 86 


OLD  SCIPIO 


flock  glanced  along  the  bar— flash— flash— puff— bang,  would 
meet  them,  their  numbers  thinning  at  each  discharge,  till, 
passing  along  the  whole  line  of  sportsmen,  they  would  be 
almost  annihilated ;  or,  wildly  dashing  through  some  wider 
interval  in  the  chain  of  gunners,  they  would  cross  the  bar 
and  escape  in  safety.     Then  as  the  light  increased  followed 
the   excitement;  the   birds   getting   up  in   dense  flocks,  all 
bent  in  one  direction,  p  complete /i-w-rt^^-yp/^  saluted  them— 
flash— flash — flash — the   reports  creeping  slowly  after,  the 
wild  fowl  tumbling  headlong,  some  into  the  water,  and  some 
on  the  sportsmen  ;  while  here  a  gunner,  dropping  his  piece, 
might  be  seen  rushing  in  up  to  his  neck  recklessly  after  his 
victim,  and  there  some  staunch  dog's  nose  just  above  the 
surface,   unweariedly   pursuing   the   wing-broken    sufferer, 
which  still  fluttered  forward  at  his  near  approach.     Ah,  ha! 
that— that  was  sport.     Hundreds  of   wild  fowl,    from   the 
little  graceful  teal  to  the  great  fishy  loon  and  red-head  brant, 
were  the  fruits  of  the  morning's  adventure.     And  what  a 
contrast  the  sparkling  eyes  and  glowing  faces  of  the  elated 
sportsmen  to  the  city's  pale  and  care-worn   countenances. 
They   were  a  true  democracy,  white  man,  and   black,  and 
half-breed,  the  squire   and  the    plowman,  all    met   in  like 
equality. 


THE    PEQUOT. 


AMONG  the  sportsmen  on  the  bar  at  the  season  ihat  I 
have  just  described  there  was  always  found  a  tall, 
gaunt,  taciturn  old  Indian,  who   passed  among  the 
people  by  the  name  of  "  Pequot."     His  hut  was  about  a 
mile  beyond  Scipio's,  on  the  same  creek,  and,  like  him,  he 
obtained  his  support  mainly  by  the  fruits  of  his  hunting  and 
fishing.     Now  and  then,  in  the  harvest,  or  when  the  game 
was  scarce,  he  would  assist  the  farmers  in  their  lighter  work, 
receiving,  with  neither  thanks  nor  stipulation,  such  recom- 
pense  as  they  saw  fit  to  make ;  and  sometimes,  in  the  cold 
depths  of  winter,  he  would  appear,  and,  silently  sitting  at 
their  firesides,  receive  as  a  sort  of  right  his  trencher  at  their 
tables.     He  was  so  inoffensive  to  all  around  him  that  he  was 
always  sure  of  welcome.     But  there  was  a  feature   in   his 
character  unusual  to  the  Indian's  nature,  which  was  his  dis- 
like to  ardent  spirits.     He  was  a  great  deal  at  Scipio's  hut, 
and  I  was  struck  with  the  harmony  which  subsisted  between 
two  characters  so  apparently  dissimilar,  the  sullen,  haughty 
Indian  and   the   light-hearted,  laughter-loving  negro;   but 
there  was  a  sort  of  common  sympathy,  of  oppression,  I  sup- 
pose,  between  them,  for  they  always  assisted  one  another, 
and  sometimes  were  gone  for  days  together  in  their  fishing 
expeditions  on  the  Sound.     All  the  information  that  Scipio 
could  give  about  him  was  that  he  was  supposed  to  have 
come  in  from  some  of  the  Western  tribes,  and  that  from  his 


1 88 


THE  PEQUOT 


haunting  a  great  deal  about  a  neighbormg  swamp  where  the 
gallant  tribe  of  Pequots  had  long  years  before  been  massa 
cred  by  fire  and  sword,  the  people  had  given  h.m  the  name 
of  Peqnot.    Whatever  he  was  he  was  a  fine  old  Indian.    The 
poetry  of  the  character  was  left,  while  contact  w.th  the 
whites  and  the  kind  teachings  of  the  Moravians  had  hewn 
away  the  sterner  features  of  the  savage.    Even  old  Sep 
showed  him  habitual  deference,  for  there  was  a  melancholy 
dignity  about  him.    I  recollect  once  being  taken  aback  by 
tht  display  of  a  burst  of  feeling  which  let  me  mto  h.s  .deal 
claims  and  pretensions. 

There  was  a  good-natured  old  Indian  by  the  name  of 
Pamanack,  belonging  to  one  of  the  tribes  which  st.U  clung 
to  Long  Island  in  the  vicinity  of  Montauket,  who  occasion- 
ally made  his  appearance  otf  <  .d  Scip's  hut,  in  the  Sound,  in 
his  periogue,  accompanied  by  some  half  dozen  ong-legged, 
stra^ht-haired,    copper-colored    youths,    his    descendants 
They  every  now  and  then  came  cruising  along  the  various 
fishing-grounds,  and  always,  when  in  the  vicinity  of  Sep, 
the  old  Indian  would  pay  him  a  visit  and  receive  a  return 
for  the  hospitality  naid  to  the  black  man  when  in  his  similar 
excursions  he  got  as  far  eastward  as  Montauket^    On  the 
particular  occasion  to  which  I  have  alluded  old  Pamanack 
had  drank  more  than  was  good  for  him,  when  the  Pequot 
presented  himse<f  silently  at  the  door  of  old  Scipio  s  hut,  and 
leaning  upon  his  long  ducking-gun  looked  in  upon  the  group, 
/^fter  a  few   words  of  recognition  passed  between  them 
Pamanack  held  out  his  black  bottle  and  incited  the  visitor 
to  drinl-.     Pequot  drew  himself  up,  and  for  a  moment  there 
was  a  mingled  expression  of  loathing  and  ferocity  hashing 
from  his  countenance  that  showed  his  Indian's  nature  in  a 


THE  PEQUOT 


189 


;re  the 
massa 
;  name 
.    The 
ith  the 
i  hewn 
id  Scip 
incholy 
)ack  by 
lis  ideal 

lame  of 
II  clung 
ccasion- 
ound,  in 
^-legged, 
endants. 
;  various 
of   Scip, 
a  return 
is  similar 
On  the 
'amanack 
le  Pequot 
s  hut,  and 
he  group, 
een  them 
:he  visitor 
nent  there 
ty  hashing 
lature  in  a 


blaze ;  but  it  was  only  momentary,  for  in  another  the  expres- 
sion vanished  from,  his  countenance,  the  habitual  melancholy 
resumed  its  place  upon  his  features,  and  the  words  fell  slow- 
ly from  his  lips :  '*  The  fire  water,  the  fire  water ;  ay,  the 
same— the  Indian  and  his  deadly  enemy."     Then,  looking 
steadily  at  Pamanack  as  he  held  the  bottle  still  toward  him : 
"  Pequot  will  not  drink.     Why  should   Pamanack  swallow 
the  white  man's  poison  and  with  his  own  hands  dig  his  grave  ? 
Pamanack  is  not  alone.     His  squaw  watches  at  the  door  of 
his  wigwam  as  she  looks  out  upon  the  long  waves  of   the 
ocean   tumbling   in   upon   the   shores   of   Montauket.     His 
young  men  gather  about  him  and  catch  the  tautog  from  its 
beetling  rocks  and  tread  out  the  quahog  from  its  muddy  bed. 
His  old  men  still  linger  on  the  sandy  beach,  and  their  scalp- 
locks  float  wildly  in  the  fresh  sea-breeze.     Pamanack  has  yet 
a  home  ;  but  Pequot,  he  is  the  last  of  his  race.     He  stands  on 
the  high  hills  of  Tashaway  and  sees  no  smoke  but  that  from 
the  wigwams  of  the  Long  Knaves.     He  moves   in   silence 
along  the  plains  of  Pequonnuck,  but  the  fences  of  the  pale 
faces  obstruct  his  progress.     His  canoe  dances  at  the  side  of 
the  dripping  rocks,  but  the  cheating  white  men  paddle  up  to 
his  side.     His  feet  sink  in  the  plowed  field,  but  it  is  not  the 
cora  of  the  red  man.     His  squaw  has  rolled  her  last  log  and 
lies  cold  in  her  blanket.     His  young  men— the  fire  water  and 
fire  dust  have  consumed  them.     Pequot  looks  around  for  his 
people ;  where  are  they  ?    The   black  snake  and   muskrat 
shoot  through  the  water  as  his  moccasin  treads  the  swamp 
where  their  bones  lie,  deep  covered  from  the  hate  of  their 
enemies.     Pequot  is  the  last  of  his  race.     He  cannot  drink 
the  fire  water,  for  his  young  men  have  sunk  from  its  deadly 
poison  as  the  mist-wreath  in  the  midday  sun.     The   good 
Moravians  have  told  him  that  it  is  bad,  and  Pequot  will 


":ii 


IQO 


THE  PEQUOT 


drink  no  more,  for  his  race  is  nearly  run.    Pequot  w.U  s.t  on 
the  high  rocks  o(  Sasco,  and  his  robe  shall  fall  from   h.s 
shoulders  as  his  broad  chest  waits  the  death  arrow  of  the 
Great  Spirit.    There  will  he  sit  and  smoke  m  -  -ce  a.     e 
looks  down  upon  the  deserted  huntmg-gfounds  of  h.s  fathers. 
Pequot^  heart  is  heavy."     As  he  finished  the  last  words  he 
Ibrupt  y  turned,  and  was  soon  far  distant  on  the  sands,  mov- 
•toward  the  high  hill  of  which  he  had  spoken     The 
G?e  ^Spirit  was  kind  to  him,  for  a  few  years  after  he  w  s 
^u„d  stark  and  stiff,  frozen  to  death  on  the  very  rocks  to 
which  he  had  alluded.    As  for  old  Pamanack.  he  d  d  not 
.ppear  to  hold  the  fire  water  in  such  utter  abhorrence ;  for, 
Xg  a  long  swig  at  the  bottle,  his  eye  foUowmg  the  ret.r- 
S   form   of  the   Pequot,   he  slowly   muttered :   '•N.gger 
drtnk,  white  man  drink  -,  why  no  Indian  drink  too  ? 


CAPTAIN  KIDD. 


11  u 


BUT   the   Sound!    the   Sound!     How   many   delightful 
reminiscences   does  the   name  bring  to  my  recollec- 
tion !     The  Sound,  with  its  white  sand-banks  and  its 
wooded  shores ;  its  fair  broad  bosom  covered  with  fleets  of 
sails  scudding  along  in  the  swift  breeze  in  the  open  day,  and 
its  dark  waves  rolling  and  sweeping  in  whole  streams  of 
phosphorescent  fire  from  their  plunging  bows  as  they  dash 
through  it  in  the  darkness  of  midnight.     The  Sound  !  redo- 
lent with   military   story.     The   Sound!  overflowing   with 
legend  and  history.     Reader,  if  you  had  been  cruising  along 
its  shores  from  infancy,  as  I  have  ;  if  you  had  grown  up 
among  its  legends  and  luxuriated  in  its  wild  associations ;  if 
you  had  spent  whole  days  on  its  broad  sand-beaches,  watch- 
ing the  gi'lls  as  they  sailed  above  you,  or  the  snipe  as  they 
ran  along  on  the  smooth,  hard  flats ;  if  you  bad  lain  on  the 
white,  frozen  snows  on  its  shore  in  the  still  nights  of  mid- 
winter, your  gun  by  your  side,  gazing  till  your  soul  was 
lost  in  the  blue  spangled  vault  as  it  hung  in  serene  and  tran- 
quil grandeur  above  you,  your  mind,  in  unconscious  adora. 
tion,  breathing  whole  volumes  of  gratitude  and  admiration 
to  the  great  God  that  gave  you  faculties  to  enjoy  its  sub- 
limity,  and  in  the  •  r.illness,  unbroken  save  by  the  cry  of  the 
loon  as  he  raised  himself  from  the  smooth  water,  seen  in 
every  sail  moving  in  silence  between  you  and  the  horizon 


192 


CAPTAIN  KIDD 


the  "  Phantom  Ship,"  or  some  daring  buccaneer,  and  m  every 
distant  splash  heard  a  deed  of  darkness  and  mystery-then 
could  you  enter  into  my  feelings. 

To  me  its  black  rocks  and  promontories  and  islands  are 
as  familiar  as  the  faces  of  a  family.    Are  there   not  the 
"  Brothers,"*  unnatural  that  they  are,  who,  living  centuries 
together,  never  to  one  another  have  as  yet  spoken  a  kind- 
ly   word,  and   the  ''Executioners."*  and   "Throgs,  *   and 
"Sands  "*  and  "  Batons,"*  all  throwing  hospitable  lights 
from  their  high  beacon  towers,  far  forward,  to  guide  the 
wandering  mariner;    and  the  "Devil's   Stepping-stones, 
o'er  which  he  bounded  when  driven  from  Connecticut;  and 
the  great  rocks,  too,  inside  of  Flushing  bay  on  which  he  de- 
scended,  shivering  them  from  top  to  bottom  as  he  fell.     And 
are  there  not  the   "Norwalk   Islands,"  with   their  pmes; 
»  Old  Sasco,"  with  her  rocks  ;  "  Fairweather,"  with  the  wild 
bird's  eggs  resting  on  her  sands,  and  the  far-famed  fishing- 
banks  off  the  "  Middle  ground."     Is  it  not  from  the  whirl- 
pools  of  the -Gate"  to  "  Gardiners,"  and  the  lone  beacon 
tower  of  "  Old  Montuket,"  one  continuous  ground  of  lore 
and  adventure  ?    In  her  waters  the  ''  Fire  ship  "  glared  amid 
the  darkness,  her  phantom  crew  standing  at  their  quarters, 
as  rushing  onwards  in  the  furious  storm,  she  passed  the 
shuddering  mariner.     Beneath  her  sands  the  red-shirted  buc- 
caneers did  hide  their  ill-gotten,  blood-spotted  treasure,  and 
'twas  on  her  broad  bosom  that,  with  iron-seared  conscience, 
sailed  that  Pirate,  fierce  and  bold,  old  Robert  Kidd  ;  to  this 
very  day  his  golden  hoards,  with  magic  mark  and  sign,  still 
crowd  her  wooded  shores. 

How,  were  he  waking,  old  Scipio's  eyes  would  upward 
*  Rocks  and  Light  Houses. 


CAPTAIN  KIDD 


193 


roll  their  whites,  if  he  did  but  hear  that  name  so  dread  and 
grim !  If,  from  very  eagerness,  he  could  utter  forth  his 
words,  he  would  give  whole  chapters,  ay  !  one  from  his  own 
family  history,  for  it  is  said  Kidd's  men  caught  old  Cudjoe, 
his  great  ancestor,  clamming  on  the  beach  off  Sasco,  and 
without  more  ado  carried  him  aboard.  As  the  old  negro 
was  sulky,  they  tumbled  his  well-filled  basket  into  the  gal- 
ley's tank,  and  incontinently  were  about  to  run  him  up  to 
dangle  at  their  long  yard-arm,  when  Kidd,  who  was  taking 
his  morning  "  drink  of  tobacco  "  on  his  poop,  roared  out  in 
a  voice  of  thunder:  ''  Ho!  Scroggs,  boatswain,  dost  hang  a 
black-a-moor  at  my  yard-arm,  where  so  many  gentlemen 
have  danced  on  nothing?  In  the  foul  devil's  name,  scuttle 
the  goggle-eyed  fiend  to  the  sharks  overboard,"  and  over- 
board he  went,  but,  diving  like  a  duck,  he  escaped  their  fire- 
locks' quick  discharge,  and  reached  the  shore  in  safety. 

And  his  deep  buried  treasures !  Where  went  the  gold 
dust  from  the  coast  of  Guinea?  the  gems  from  Madagascar? 
the  dollars  and  doubloons  pirated  from  the  Spanish  galleons? 
the  broken  plate  and  crucifixes  from  the  shores  of  Panama? 
and  where  the  good  yellow  gold,  stamped  with  the  visage 
of  his  most  gracious  majesty?  Where?  where,  but  on  the 
haunted  borders  of  this  very  Sound.  Why,  the  very  school- 
boys, playing  in  the  woods  upon  its  shores,  know,  when  the 
earth  doth  hollo ^a  sound  beneath  their  feet,  that  Kidd's 
treasure's  buried  there.  Do  they  disturb  it  ?  No,  not  they  ; 
they  know  too  well  the  fierce  and  restless  spirit  that  guards 
the  iron  pot.  Didst  ever  hear  the  brave  old  ballad,  ''  As  he 
saiVd,  as  he  saiVdr  It's  a  true  old  ballad,  a  time-honored 
old  ballad  ;  it  gives  his  veritable  history.  It  has  been  sung 
time  out  of  mind,  been  chanted  by  the  old  tars  in  the  sultry 


:m 


194 


CAPTAIN  KIDD 


calms  of  the  tropics,  and  the  greasy  whalers  have  kept  time 
to  it  over  their  trying  kettles  on  the  smooth  Pacific      It  has 
been  sung  amid  the  icebergs  of  Greenland,  and  heard  on  the 
coast  of  New  Holland;  the  spicy  breezes  of  Ceylon  have 
borne  it  among  the  sleeping  tigers  in  their  jungles  and  the 
Hottentots  pulled  tighter  their  breech-cloths  -^  t^ey  have 
listened  to  its  tones.    The  Chinese,  and  the  Turks,  and  the 
Dutchmen,  and  the  Danes,  and  everything  human  within 
the  smell  of  salt  water,  have  heard  it,  and  that  too  in  the 
rich  manly  tones  of  the  English  and  American  sailors.     Ho ! 
Scip '  wake  from  out  thy  corner,  and  give  us  the  old  ballad. 
Shades  of  red-capped  buccaneers !  fierce  negro  slavers !  spirits 
of  the  gallant  men  who  fought  the  British  on  her  shores ! 
desperate  old  Kidd  in  person!  we  conjure  you,  we  conjure 
you  arise  and  hover  around  us,  whilst  we  chant  the  lay. 
Ho'  Scipio!  the  old  ballad,  as  it  stood,  smoke-blacked  and 
grimed,  upon  thy  cabin's  walls ;  ay!  that  is  it,  and  in  tones 
which  chime  in  unison  with  the  dreary  storm  and  howling 
blast  without — 


"YE  LAMENTABLE  BALLAD,  AND  Yb  TRUE  HISTORIE  OF 
CAPTAIN  ROBERT  KIDD,  WHO  WAS  HANGED  IN  CHAINS 
AT  EXECUTION  DOCK,  FOR  PIRACY  AND  MURDER  ON 
YB    HIGH   SEAS." 


H«  calleth  upon  the  cap- 
tains: 


He  stateth  his  name  and 
acknowledgeth   his  wicked- 


ness: 


He  beareth  witness  to  the 
good  counsel  of  his  parents: 


Hecurseth  his  father  and 
his  mother  dear: 


And  blasphemeth  against 
God: 


He  burieth  the  Good  Book 
in  the  sand: 


And    murdereth    William 
Moore: 


You  captains  bold  and  brave,  hear  ovir  cries,  hear  our 
cries. 
You  captains  bold  and  brave,  hea/  our  cries. 
You  captains   brave   and  bold,  tho'  you  seem  uncon- 
troU'd, 
Don't  for  the  sake  of  gold  lose  your  souls,  lose  your 
souls. 

Don't  for  the  sake  of  gold  lose  your  souls. 

My  name  was  Robert  Kidd,  when   I  sail'd,  when  I 
sail'd, 

My  name  was  Robert  Kidd,  when  I  sail'd, 
My  name  was  Robert  Kidd,  God's  laws  I  did  forbid. 

And  so  wickedly  I  did,  when  I  sail'd. 

My  parents   taught   me  well,  when   I  sail'd,  when   I 
sail'd, 

My  parents  taught  me  well,  when  I  sail'd. 
My  parents  taught  me  well  to  shun  the  gates  of  hell, 

But  against  them  I  rebelled,  when  I  sail'd. 

I  cursed  my  father  dear,  when  I  sail'd,  when  I  sail'd, 
I  cursed  my  father  dear,  when  I  sail'd, 

I  cursed  my  father  dear  and  her  that  did  me  bear. 
And  so  wickedly  did  swear,  when  I  sail'd. 

I  made  a  solemn  vow,  when  I  sail'd,  when  I  sail'd, 

I  made  a  solemn  vow,  when  I  sail'd, 
I  made  a  solemn  vow  to  God  I  would  not  bow, 

Nor  myself  one  prayer  allow,  as  I  sail'd. 

I'd  a  Bible  in  my  hand,  when  I  sail'd,  when  I  sail'd, 

I'd  a  Bible  in  my  hand  when  I  snil'd, 
I'd  a  Bible  in  my  hand  by  my  father's  great  command. 

And  I  sunk  it  in  the  sand,  when  I  sail'd. 

I  murdered  William  Moore,  as  I  sail'd,  as  I  sail'd, 
I  murdered  William  Moore,  as  I  sail'd, 

I  murdered  William  Moore,  and  left  him  in  his  gore. 
Not  many  leagues  from  shore,  as  I  sail'd. 


•  ',1 
'li 

ril. 


!Tf 


196 


And    also    cruelly  killeth 
the  gunner. 


His  mate,  being  about  to 
die,  repenieth  and  warneth 
him  in  his  career. 


He  falleth  sick,  and  prom- 
iseth  repentance,  but  forget- 
teth  his  vows. 


He    steereth    thro'    Long 
Island  and  other  Sounds. 


He  chaseth  three  ships  of 
France. 


CAPTAIN  KIDD 

And  being  cruel  still,  as  I  sail'd,  as  I  sail'd, 

And  being  cruel  still,  as  I  sail'd, 
And  being  cruel  still,  my  gunner  I  did  kill, 

And  his  precious  blood  did  spill,  as  I  sail  d. 

My  mate  was  sick  and  died,  as  I  sail'd,  as  I  sail'd. 

My  mate  was  sick  and  died,  as  I  sail'd. 
My  irate  was  sick  and  died,  which  me  much  ternfied, 

When  he  called  me  to  his  bedside,  as  I  sail  d. 

And  unto  me  he  did  say,  see  me  die,  see  me  die, 

And  unto  me  did  say,  see  me  die, 
And  unto  me  did  say,  take  warning  now  by  me. 

There  comes  a  reckoning  day,  you  must  die. 

You  cannot  then  withstand,  when  you  die,  when  you 

die, 
You  cannot  then  withstand,  when  you  die, 
You  cannot  then  withstand   the  judgments  of  Gods 
hand, 
But  bound  then  in  iron  bands,  you  must  die. 

I  was  sick  and  nigh  to  death,  as  I  sail'd   as  I  sail'd, 
I  was  sick  and  nigh  to  death,  as  I  sail  d, 

I  was  sick  and  nigh  to  death,  and  I  vowed  at  every 
breath 
To  walk  in  wisdom's  ways,  as  I  sail'd. 

I  thought  I  was  undone,  as  I  sail'd,  as  I  sail'd; 

I  thought  I  was  undone,  as  I  sail'd, 
I  thought  I  was  undone,  and  my  wicked  glass  had  run, 

But  health  did  soon  return,  as  I  sailed. 

My  repentance  lasted  not,  as  I  sail'd,  as  I  sail'd, 

My  repentance  lasted  not,  as  I  sail  a. 
My  repentance  lasted  not,  my  vows  I  soon  forgot, 

Damnation's  my  just  lot,  as  I  sail  d. 
I  steer'd  from  Sound  to  Sound,  as  I  sail'd  as  I  sail'd, 

I  steer'd  from  Sound  to  Sound,  as  I  sail  d, 
I  steer-d  from  Sound  to  Sound,  and  many  ships  I  found. 

And  most  of  them  I  burn'd,  as  I  sail  d. 
I  spy'd  three  ships  from  France,  as  I  sail'd  as  I  sail'd. 

I  snv'd  three  ships  from  France,  as  I  sail  d 
I  sp;'uhree  ships'from  France,  tothem  I  did  advance, 
^nd  took  them  all  by  chance,  as  I  sailed. 


t  \' 


CAPTAIN  KIDD 


197 


And    also    three    ships  of 
Spain. 


He  boastelh  of  his  treasure. 


He  spyeth  fourteen  ships 
in  pursuii,  and  surrenders. 


He  biddeth  farewell  to  the 
seas,  and  the  raging  main. 


He  exhorteth  the  young 
and  old  to  take  counsel  from 
his  fate: 


And  declareth  that  he 
must  go  to  hell,  and  be  pun- 
ished for  his  wickedness. 


I  spy'd  three  ships  of  Spahi,  as  I  sail'd,  as  I  sail'd, 

I  spy'd  three  ships  of  Spain,  as  I  sail'd, 
I  spy'd  three  ships  of  Spain,  I  fired  on  them  amain, 

Till  most  of  them  were  slain,  as  I  sail'd. 

I'd  ninety  bars  of  gold,  as  I  sail'd,  as  I  sail'd, 

I'd  ninety  bars  of  gold,  as  I  sail'd, 
I'd  ninety  bars  of  gold,  and  dollars  manifold. 

With  riches  uncontroU'd,  as  I  sail'd. 

Then  fourteen  ships  I  saw,  as  I  sail'd,  as  I  sail'd. 

Then  fourteen  ships  I  saw,  as  I  sail'd. 
Then  fourteen  ships  I  saw,  and  brave  men  they  are. 

Ah  !  they  were  too  much  forme,  as  I  sail'd. 

Thus  being  o'ertaken  at  last,  I  must  die,  I  must  die, 
Thus  being  o'ertaken  at  last,  I  must  die. 

Thus  being  o'ertaken  at  last,  and  into  prison  cast, 
And  sentence  being  pass'd,  I  must  die. 

Farewell  the  raging  sea,  I  must  die,  I  must  die. 

Farewell  the  raging  main,  I  must  die. 
Farewell  the   raging  main,  to   Turkey,  France,    and 
Spain, 

I  ne'er  shall  see  you  again,  I  must  die. 

To  Newgate  now  I'm  cast,  and  must  die,  and  must  die, 
To  Newgate  now  I'm  cast,  and  must  die, 

To  Newgate  I  am  cast,  with  a  sad  and  heavy  he.nrt. 
To  receive  my  just  desert,  I  must  die. 

To  Execution  Dock  I  must  go,  I  must  go. 

To  Execution  Dock  I  must  go. 
To  Execution  Dock  will  many  thousands  flock. 

But  I  must  beir  the  shock,  I  must  die. 

Come  all  you  young  and  old,  see  me  die,  see  me  die. 
Come  all  you  young  and  old,  see  me  die, 

Come  all  you  young  and  old,  you're  welcome  to  my 
gold. 
For  by  it  I've  lost  my  soul,  and  must  die. 

'^•^ke  warning  now  by  me,  for  I  must  die,  for  I  must 
die, 
Tal:e  warning  now  by  me,  for  I  must  die. 

Take  warning  now  by  me,  and  shun  bad  company, 
I,est  you  come  to  hell  with  me,  for  I  must  die, 
Lest  you  come  to  hell  with  me,  for  I  must  die. 


:l 


-i+ii 


'  'il 


SPIRITIANA— No.  I. 

HYDRACHOS. 


Cleopatra- 
Cloion — 


Cleopatra- 
Clown — 
Cleopatra- 
Clown — 
Cleopatra 
Clown — 


Cleopatra 


■Hast  thou  the  pretty  worm  of  Nilus  there, 

seldom  or  never  recover. 
-Get  thee  hence  ;  farewell. 
I  wish  you  all  joy  of  the  worm. 

-Farewell.  ,  •    ,  •    i 

You  must  think  this,  look  you,  that  the  worm  w:ll  do  h.s  kmd. 

-Ay— ay,  farewell.  _  . 

Look  you.  the  worm  is  not  to  be  trusted  but  in  the  keepu.g  of  wise  peo- 
pie;  for.  indeed,  there  is  no  goodness  in  the  worm. 
[—Well,  get  thee  gone;  farewell. 


Anthony  and  Cleopatra. 


r-^CEl^E.-Hendruk's    Cottage  on  the  Heights  at  the  Nar- 
O     roivs      The   Ocean  opening  out  to  the   horizon.     Staten 
Island,  zvith  its  woods,  green  hills  and  fortifications,  on  the 
ri^ht  ■    Fort  Hamilton,  New    Utrecht,  and  the  fair  farms  of 
Long  Island  on  the  left.     On  the  rustic  piazza,  dershadowed  by 
two  giant  hemlocks  and  the  sweeping  foliage  of  old  willows 
are  seated,  in  luxuriant  arm-chairs,  zvith  their  legs  well  rested 
on  stools  in  front,  two  gentlemen.     {Betzveen  them,  a  round  table 
on  which,  half  filled  with  rich  purple,  rests  a  crystal  pitcher  of^ 
.*  Chateau  Margaux,-  a  diamond  cut  goblet  of  ^^  golden  Sherry 
a  dusty  cobzvcbbed  bottle  with  a  label,  on  which,  dimly,  is  to  be 
seen  the  word  ^^Farquar,-  sundry  condiments,  fruits,  old  Cheshire, 
biscuits,  et  id  omne  genus,  and  a  cedar  box,  the  lid  half  off,  "  Re- 


SPIRITIANA 


199 


GALIA,  1840.")  One,  tall  and  slender— the  "TALL  SON  OF 
York."  The  other  in  dressing-goivn  and  slippers— ejus  nomen 
H  END  RICK.  The  blue  smoke  of  their  Regalias  rises  in  light 
elouds,  and  wreathes  and  floats  gracefully  above  their  heads, 
while  the  droivsy  note  of  the  locusts  in  the  dcrhanging  trees, 
and  the  busy  hum  of  the  bees  diving  into  the  honey-suckles  and 
floivering  vines,  indicate  the  dreamy  quiescence  of  a  simmer's 
afternoon. 

The  Tall  Son*  (^(7/«V«r).— By  Jupiter!  Hendrick,  but 
this  is  a  beautiful  scene  that  Nature  has  so  lavishly  spread 
before  you.     No  wonder  that  your  bays  leave  punctually  at 
three  to  carry  you  from  the  heated  walls  of  Old  Gotham. 
A  magnificent  prospect !     How  grandly  old  Ocean  stretches 
onward  to  the  embrace  of  the  distant  horizon!     The  ships, 
with   their  bellying  canvas,  seem  like   things    of    dreams, 
sleeping  upon  his  broad  bosom.     And  see !  the  fleecy  clouds 
now  hurrying  on,  and  now  hanging  motionless  in  the  blue 
canopy  above.     These  shores,  too,  with   their   undulating 
hills,  green  forests  and  lordly  villas!  it's  a  scene  worthy  the 
pencil  of  a  Ruysdael,     Yonder  massive   forts  appear,  with 
their  engines  of  destruction  so   grimly   crouched  in  their 
embrasures,  the  guardians  of  this  peaceful  scene.     By  the 
blood  of  old  Eclipse  !t  (a  health  to  the   veteran)     By  the 
fair  form  of  the  goddess  sprung  from  the  light  foam  of  yon- 
der  sea !  (a  glass  to  the  fair  Cytheria)   I  admire  your  taste. 
This  snug  little  Dutch  cottage  of  yours,  my  dear  boy,  with 
its  flowering  walks,  and  roses,  and  honey-suckles,  is  perfect- 
*  The  soubriquet  by   which   the    Editor  of   the  "  Spirit  of  the 
Times"  was  known  to  his  correspondents. 
f  x\  celebrated  race-liorse. 


ill 


""I 

A  1 


iii 


tin 


111! 


ii  I 


V 


200 


SPIKITIANA 


ly  delightrul,  and  but  that  you  are  a  bachel„r,  1  should  set 
vou  down  as  a  happy  man. 

HENI.RICK.-Manicd  or  unmarried,  bachelor  or  Bene- 
dict, right  happy  am  I,  my  dear  "Spirit,"  to  welcome  you 
within  its  walls. 

. .  Now  is  the  winter  of  {;« v)  discontent,  made  glorious  by  summer 
By  this  (tall)  ''  Sonof  York:' 
And  all  the  clouds  that  lowered  about  our  house 
(Need  not  go  far  to  find  themselves) 
In  the  deep  bosom  of  the  ocean  buried." 

But  Egad!  my  dear  boy,  what  a  pair  of  beauties  you 
have  got  in  your  traces.  What  blood  !  what  muscle !  what 
necks!  what  shoulders!  Their  nostrils  are  fire,  and  then- 
eyes  shame  the  gazelle— 

"  With  champing  bits,  and  arching  necks, 
And  eyes  like  listening  deer, 
And  spirits  of  fire,  that  pine  at  rest, 
And  limbs  that  mock  at  fear." 

Old  Scip',  who  was  born  in  a  stable,  and  erncctr  to  be 
buried  under  a  manger,  who  looks  upon  himself  as  first 
cousin  to  horse-flesh,  stands  with  arms  a-kimbo  and  eyes 
wide  open,  in  speechless  astonishment  in  the  carriage-house, 
where  no  has  taken  them  under  cover. 

Spifit  -Tney^rr  horses-"  Taking  them  for  all  m  all, 
we  ne'er  shall  see  their  like  again."  Five  years  old,  blood 
as  pure  as  the  Bourbons,  match  to  the  curl  of  a  fetlock,  do 
their  "  two-thirty  "  without  laying  a  hair,  and  so  delicate  on 
the  ribbons,  that  the  little  finger  of  a  girl  of  fifteen  can  turn 
them  in  a  circle.  The  ^^  Avenues  "^  glory  in  the  light  tap  of 
their  hoofs,  and  "  Catos  "^  and  -  Burnhams  "*  are  vociferous 
*  Stopping  places  on  the  avenues. 


SP/A/T/.I.VA 


201 


in  Iheir  praise.     But,  by  the  marc  of   Mahomet,  Hendiick, 
this  road  of  yours  is  infernally  heavy.     I've   had  a  halo  of 
dust  three  feet  in  diameter  around  my  wheels  all  the  way 
down  from  the  ferry.  Your  sandy  desert  may  be  very  well  for 
your  "  Araby's  Daughter,"  but  it's  the  devil  and  all  on  horse- 
flesh  with  four  wheels  behind  it.     But,   Hendrick,  though 
this  cottage  of   yours  is  unexceptionable,  and  the  scenery 
beautiful,  your  wine  exquisite  in  its  bouquet,  and  your  "  Re- 
galias"  in  their  flavor,  and  everything  so  comfortable,  even 
to  the  old  Newfoundlander  there,  dreaming  of  whole  lagoons 
of  wild-fowl  and  avalanches  of  mutton  bones,  don't  you  find, 
my  dear  fellow,  that  you  want  excitement— don't  you  feel 
a  little  Robinson  Crusoeish  now  and  then? 

Hendrick.— Not  a  whit,  not  a  whit.     I  have,  you  know, 
sufficient  business  for  employment,  plenty  of  books,  salubri- 
ous air-as  you  say,  beautiful  scenery,  my  nags,  my  rod,  my 
gun,  my  dogs  (Soho  !  you  villains,  come  up  and  show  your- 
selves; there's  a  pair  of  game  ones  for  you),  a  crack  at  the 
deer  and  wild-fowl  in  the  fall,  an  occasional  scamper  about 
the  country  when  the  humor  seizes  me,  and,  thank  heaven, 
a  tolerably  contented  mind.     I  envy  no  man  his  greatness, 
and  wish  well  to  all  of  Adam's  race,  both  small  and  great. 
I  look  above,  and  around,  and  about  me,  and  in  everything, 
the  sea,  the  air,  the  earth,  behold  indicated  the  finger  of 
benevolence  and  goodness.     I  find  study  and  employment 
in  every  object  of  Nature,  from  the  small  and  delicate  flower 
opening  its  petals  at  my  feet,  the  minute   insect  hurrying 
through  its  brief  and  ephemeral  existence  (type  of  our  own) 
to  Old  Ocean,  rolling  his '' ceaseless  dashings"to  my  cot- 
tage door,  and  the  great  glorious   constellations  sweeping 
onwards  in  silent  sublimity  above  its  lowly  roof. 


^^i 


H. 


ip-ji 


I  "     ill 

14-  '--1 
1  '    t 


202 


SPIRITIANA 


SriRTT.— All  very  true,  Hendrick,  by  my  faith  !  All  very 
true  ;  very  fine  philosophy ,  and  still  finer  poetry  ;  but  I  know 
you  of  old,  my  boy.  A  pretty  woman  in  your  path  sends 
all  this  philosophy  to  the  devil;  you're  destined  yet  to  have 
that  old  bachelor's  coat  of  yours  pulled  over  your  ears.  Sings : 

"  The  village  maid  steals  through  the  shade, 
Her  shepherd's  suit  to  hear, 
To  beauty  shy,  by  lattice  high, 
Sings  high  born  Cavalier. 

The  star  of  Love,  all  stars  above, 

Now  reigns  o'er  earth  and  sky, 
And  high  and  low  the  influence  know. 

But  w//^?/-^  is  County  Guy." 

Hendrick.— Out  upon  thee,  profane  wretch!  Being 
bachelor  incorrigible,  schoolst  thou  me?  Out  upon  thee! 
But  be  that  as  it  may,  do  I  not  see  that  empty  crystal  on  its 
delicate  stem  casting  reproachful  glances  on  thee?  Fill  it! 
fill  it  to  the  brim  with  golden  sherry,  and  touch  it  to  thy 
lips  in  token  of  reconciliation.  What  a  man  now  wert  thou 
with  a  bottle  of  that  under  thy  waistcoat,  and  thy  nags  be- 
fore thee  on  a  two  mile  stretch  of  clear  road !  The  clatter 
of  their  hoofs  were  like  the  roll  of  a  drum.  There  were 
nothing  then  could  overtake  thee,  save  the  great  "  Hydrar- 

chos." 

Spirit— The  great  what? 

Hendrick— The  great  Hydrarchos.* 

Spirit— What  i'  the  name  of  the  bottomless  pit  is  that? 

Hendrick— Why,  the  great  serpent  exhumed  in  Missou- 
ri !  Mouth  six  feet  wide,  with  teeth  to  match  ;  ribs  twelve 
feet  in  diameter,  and  length  from  his  snakeship's  snout  to  the 
end  of  his  diabolic  tail  about  one  hundred  and  fifty  feet— the 

*Subsequently  found  to  be  a  deception. 


SPIRITIANA 


203 


representative  of  the  incarnate  fiend  tliat  lay  "  cliainod  to 
the  burning  lake,"  he  snap't  you  up  a  pair  of  elephants  as  a 
cat  does  a  mouse— cousin  germain  to  him  that 

"  Swallowed  a  chuich  and  a  steeple 
And  all  the  good  people." 

Spirit— Egad!  what  a  favorite  he  would  be  in  "Old 
Virginy,"  thar  home  of  snakedom,  of  whom  it  is  written: 
"  If  truth  is  not,  then  there's  no  snakes  in  Virginy." 

[DinaJis  voice  is  heard  singing  in  the  kitchen) 

"  Snake  baked  a  hoe  cake, 
Asked  de  frog  to  mind  it. 
De  frog  he  fell  asleep, 
Aiid  de  lizard  came  and  stol'd  it. 
Chorus— Rnberree—ceder  bree— heigho  Juba! 

De  snake  Ijegan  to  beat  de  lizard. 
De  lizard  he  denied  it. 
And  de  frog  said  ye  did,  for 
I  seed  ye  when  ye  stol'd  it. 
Chorus— Ruberree—ceder  bree— heigho  Juba! 

Alligator  in  de  swamp,  catching  de  old  gander." 

HENDRICK-Ha  !  ha  !     Truly  you  have  woke  up  "  Old 
Vairginy"    herself;    but,  joking  aside,  it  is  a  great   curi- 
osity,  and  well  worth  seeing,  whether  it  be  Behemoth,  Levi- 
athan, Kraken,  Sea  Serpent,  or  thnt  enormous  snake  repre- 
sented by  Placide  "  who  never  saw  the  end  of  his  tail;"  it  is 
the  remains  of  a  stupendous  animal.     Apropos  of  snakes,  in 
one  of  your  late  "  Spirits  "  I  saw  a  communication  relative 
to  the  fascinating  power  of  serpents  in  which  the  writer 
urges  that  the  influence  lies  not  in  "  the  bright  and  glittering 
eye,"  but  in  the  poisonous  and  noxious  eftiuvia  emitted  by 
ihe'repaie.     I  agree  with  him,  the  more  particularly  that  it 
calls  to  mind  a  case  that  came  under  my  observation   in 


\^  "S 


\\\ 


Jlly  {■'"" 


I   il  II 


204 


SPIRITIAKA 


South  Carolina  a  number  of  years  since.     A  gentleman  was 
traveling   through  a  forest  on  a  warm   summer  morning, 
when  his  attention  was  excited  by  the  faint  cry  of  a  cat-bird 
that  was  hopping  about  in  a  sort  of  maze  in  the  path  a  few 
yards  in  advance  of  him.     It  uttered  a  ceaseless,  weak,  but 
evidently  distressed  cry,  and  appeared  to  be  attracted  by 
some  object  a  little  in  advance  of  it.     He  halted  his  horse 
and  gazed  around  him  to  ascertain  the  cause,  and  after  look- 
ing  attentively  a   minute  or  two  perceived  a  large  black- 
snake  coiled  up  a  short  distance  from  the  bird,  its  head  ele- 
vated a  few  inches,  but  perfectly  motionless,  and  its  bright 
and  piercing  eye  fixed  with  deadly  malignity  on  its  victim, 
while  its  tongue,  like  a  little  flame,  silently  played  in  and 
out  of  its  mouth.     Both  animals  were  too  much  engaged  to 
notice  him,  and  he  remained  a  few  minutes  an  interested 
spectator  of  the  scene,  the  bird  becoming  evidently  more 
weak  and  helpless,  when  he  began  to  perceive  an  unpleasant 
odor,  which  was  soon  followed  by  nausea  and  slight  faint- 
ness.     Divining  or  imagining  the  cause,  he  dismounted,  and 
breaking  a  stout  switch  approached,  and  with  two  or  three 
well-directed  blows  dispatched  the  serpent,  perceiving  as  he 
did  so  the  peculiar  effluvia  more  strongly.     The  bird  stood 
in  a  sort  of  stupor  for  a  few  seconds  after  he  had  killed  its 
foe,  but  gathering  strength  it  lifted  itself  upon  its  wings  and 
flew  weakly  and  slowly  to  a  neighboring  thicket,  where  it 
was  soon  lost  to  his  view.     He  felt  convinced,  upon  revolv- 
ing the  theory  in  his  mind,  that  the  popular  idea  with  regard 
to   the   fascination  was  incorrect,  and   that  the  poisonous 
effluvia  emitted  by  the  snake  was  the  cause  of  the  stupefac- 
tion of  its  victim. 

Spirit— Now  you  speak  of  it,  I  think  that  I  have  myself 


SPIRITIANA 


205 


occasionally  perceived  about  snakes  an  unpleasant  odor  such 
as  you  describe.  By-the-bye,  your  story  reminds  me  of 
Monk  Lewis's  "  Anaconda,"  the  story  of  an  Englishman  that 
was  besieged  in  his  summer-house  in  Ceylon  by  an  enormous 
boa,  and  the  effect  upon  his  senses  of  the  deadly  effluvia 
emitted  by  the  monster.     You  recollect  it? 

Hendrick— Perfectly  well.     I  read  it  in  my  boyhood, 
and  a  most  thrilling  tale  it  was.     The  Englishman  letting 
slip  his  dog  with  a  note  describing  his  situation  tied  around 
his  neck,  and  the  monster's  snapping  him  up  like  lightning 
before  he  had  got  ten  feet  from  the  door— of  the  discovery 
by    the    people    on    the    plantation    of    his  situation,  and 
their    driving  a  herd    of    cattle    toward    the    serpent    to 
divert  him  from  his  prey— of  his  springing  upon  the  head- 
most  bullock,  lashing  him  to  a  tree,  breaking  every  bone  in 
his  body  in  his  coils,  lubricating  and  then  swallowing  him  ; 
his  consequent   helplessness— their   dispatching  him    with 
clubs  and  axes,  and  the  release  of  the  poor  Englishman,  who 
subsequently  died  of  his  terror  and  the  effects  of  the  efflu- 
via.    I  recollect  it  well. 

Spirit— It  was  well  told.  Speaking  of  Lewis,  I  came 
across,  the  other  day,  for  the  first  time,  the  novel  from  which 
he  received  his  sobriquet,  "  the  Monk."  It  is  a  most  excit- 
ing story  and  written  with  great  power.  But  he  presents 
vice,  notwithstanding  the  attendant  horrors,  in  such  capti- 
vating colors  that  I  am  not  sure  but  that  the  devil  who 
finally  flew  away  with  the  monk  from  the  dungeons  of  Mad- 
rid had  also  a  fair  right  to  fly  away  with  the  author. 

Hendrick— Yes,  he  was  of  the  Byronic-diabolic  school. 
But  to  return  to  the  snakes ;  I  knew  a  case  where  a  child 
was  apparently  under  the  influence  of  fascination,  whatever 


'    if 

.1 

2o6 


SPIRITIANA 


'1      1 


i  il 


il  51^ 


'!! 


11 


„,ight  be  the  cause.     It  was  in  a  farm-yard  in  a  village  n,  an 
adjoining  State.    The  child,  about  four  years  old,  was  ob- 
se  ved  standing  perfectly  still,  gazing  intently  upon  a  stone 
fence  a  short  distance  in  front  of  it.    It  was  called  repeated- 
ly  by  its  nurse,  but  paying  no  attention  she  went  to  br  ng  >t 
in     As  she  approached  she  noticed  that  the  ch.ld  was  trem- 
bling  from  head  to  foot,  its  finger  pointing  to  the  wal    m 
11    As  she  took  its  hand  her  eye  followed  ">«  d.rect.o 
of  its  finger,  and  she  saw  a  "  copper-head     gl.de  off  the 
i'es  dfwn  into  the  wall.    This  snaUe,  which  was  a  te.. 
wards  killed,  called  in  that  part  of  the  country  the     rattle- 
snake's cousin,"  is  exceedingly  venomous  and  more  dange  - 
ous  than  the  rattlesnake,  inasmuch  as,  devo.d  of  rattles, 
gives  no  warning.    The    child,  when   recovered  from  .ts 
agitation,  said  that  she  saw  beautiful  ribbons  and  colors  play- 
ing before  her  on  the  wall. 

SPIRIT-I  should  think  that  that  could  hardly  come  un- 
der the  name  of  fascination,  as  the  natural  colors  of  the 
lake  would  have  been  sufficient  of  themselves  to  attract  he 
child's  attention-,  but  its  terror  would  seem  to  sus  am  the 
idea  that  there  is  an  intuitive  dread  m  the  human  family  to 

the  serpent  tribe. 

HENDRICK-It  is  the  common  opinion  with  regard  to 
black-snakes  that  they  will  not  attack  a  human  b-ng  unless 
previously  assaulted,  although  there  are  sa.d  to  be  mstance 
where  they  have  attacked  children.  But  in  the  same  part 
of  the  country  in  which  the  incident  that  I  have  ,ust  related 
of  the  child  occurred  there  was  an  instance  to  the  contrary. 
A  farmer  by  the  name  of  Birdsey  was  in  the  woods  fellmg 
timber.  Being  seized  with  a  hemorrhage  from  the  nose  he 
laid  down  his  ax,  and  seating  himself  upon  a  rock  on  the 


SPIRITIANA 


207 


edge  of  a  small  brook  near  by,  leaned  his  head   upon   his 
hand,  his  elbow  resting  on  his  knees,  letting  in  that  position 
the  blood  drop  into  the  water.     Whilst  thus  seated  he  felt  a 
blow  across  his  back  which  he  thought  was  from  the  de- 
cayed branch  of  some  overhanging  tree  falling  upon  him, 
but  in  an  instant  he  was  undeceived  by  finding  his  elbow 
tied  to  his  knee  and  both  arms  bound  tight  to  his  body  by 
the  coils  of  a  huge  black-snake,  whose  hissing  head,  with  its 
glistening  eyes  and  forked  tongue,  was  darting  threatening- 
ly within  a  couple  of  inches  of  his  face.     After  the  paralysis 
of  a  moment's  fear  he  succeeded  in  introducing  the  fingers 
of  his  right  hand  into  his  jacket  pocket,  got  out  his  knife, 
opened  it  with  his  teeth,  and  succeeded  in  relieving  himself 
from  its  horrid  embrace  only  by  cutting  the  serpent  into 
half  a  dozen  pieces. 

Spirit — There  is  an  astonishing  tenacity  of  life  in  snakes, 
as  you  may  have  observed  when  you  have  cut  them  in  two 
with   a  spade  or  ax.     The  species  "called  "racers  "—black- 
snakes  with  a  white  ring  around  their  necks— are  said  some- 
times to   attack   people.     I  recollect  that  I  was  once  out  in 
the  open  fields,  in  the  vicinity  of  a  forest,  when  one  started 
close  at  my  feet.     I  immediately  leveled  my  piece,  when  he 
turned,  and  with  head  erect  made  dead  for  me.     1   let  him 
have  both  barrels,  one  after  the  other,  and  then,  laying  down 
my  gun,  battered  him  with  stones  till,  as  I  supposed,  life  was 
extinct;  but  conjecture  my  surprise  when,  passing  the  same 
place  an  hour  or  two  after,  I  found  that  he  had  disappeared. 
Hendrick— If  it  had  remained  you  would  have  found  it 
swarming  with  insects  and  vermin  devouring  it.     How  m- 
teresting  it  is  to  observe  the  same  overruling  hand  always  at 
work  in  carrying  out  its  laws,  whether  great  or  small !    The 


I 


m 


208 


SPIRITIANA 


instant  the  dissolution  of  animal  life  takes  ^^^^ 
the  mastodon  or  man.  the  reptile  or  the  m.nute  ^-^^^^^^ 
Nature's  scavengers  rush  in  from  a  thousand  quarters  to 
fhtrappointedtask.     Without  them  the  world  were  soon 

nnp  noisome  charnel-house. 

~L_Ay!  a  great  arena,  where  the  -  .ct  beUveen 

..life  and  its  arch-enemy,  death,"  .s  incessant      However 
b  ave  the  resistance,  the  grim  monster  invar.ably  conquers 
ad  the  corpse,  hurried  off  the  ^tage.  makes  way  for  other 
struggles,  other  conflicts  and   other  actors  on  the  scene. 
But  wha   a  wondrous  mystery  lies  concealed  under  .ts  op 
nosite  Life  (if.  indeed,  there  is  anything  not  enveloped  m 
my  te'ry).    The  Greek  word  for  life  is  Bios,  and  B,a  means 
X       Bichat  defines  organic  life  as  "  the  su,n  of  ilu  fune- 
t::uat  resist  eieath;-  in  other  words,  the  fina    result 
that  circle  of  natural  causes  which,  surrounding    t      om  its 

ption.  eventually  ends  in   its  inevitable  extinction, 
reminds  one  of  the  Italian  state  prisoner  who  finds  to  his 
Wor  as  time  progresses,  that  the  iron  chamber  in  which 
h  Tconfined  is  jointed,  and  that  slowly,  silent  y  and  su..ly 
it  is  contracting  to  crush  him  out  of  existence.     But  this 
organic  life,  though  doomed,  does  not  appear  .«  --"d-. 
even  after  the  spirit  has  withdrawn  from  it.  without  a  Strug- 
!Ie  ;  for  soon  after  the  apparent  death  there  s"P«---  - 
:ist;nce  called  the  ri.or  ,nortis-.  general  stiffening  of  the 
whole  body  to  such  an  extent  that  it  can  be  lifted  by  the 
hou  ders  Ind  stood  upright  like  a  statue.    This  r,,or  lasts 
or  several  hours,  sometimes  a  couple  of  days,  when  finally 
he  laws  of  chemistry  obtaining  the  ascendant,  the  organic 
articles  gradually  soften,  lose  cohesion  disintegrate  and. 
C      g'change'intofourorfive  gallonsof  water  and  four 


SPIRITIAiYA 


209 


ether  in 
ct,  these 
irters  to 
ere  soon 

between 
[iowever 
:onquers, 
for  other 
[le  scene, 
er  its  op- 
eloped  in 
3ia  means 
■  the  func- 

result  of 
t  from  its 
iction.  tt 
ids  to  his 

in  which 
and  surely 
But  this 
surrender, 
mt  a  strug- 
venes  a  re- 
ing  of  the 
ted  by  the 

rigor  lasts 
hen  finally, 
the  organic 
egrate,  and, 
:er  and  four 


or  five  handfuls  of   hme,  which  sink  into  the  earth   from 
whence  they  came,  the  gases  ascending  into  the  atmosphere. 
Thus  resolved,  they  again  commence  the  eternal  circle  of  re- 
creation, according  to  the  fiat  which  has  been  appointed  for 
them,  whether  into  prince  or  peasant,  mountain  or  valley, 
mastodon  or  insect,  forest  tree   or  delicate  flower,  without 
destruction  or  change  of  their  original  elements.     There  can 
be  no  stronger  logical  argument  for  the  immortality  of  the 
soul  than  this  non-destructibility  of  matter ;  for,  so  far  as 
human  reason  can  judge,  it  cannot  be  possible  (probable,  if  you 
please)  that  base  matter,  made  use  of  by  the  Spirit  as  its  ser- 
vant and  slave,  can  survive  its  more  noble  and  ethereal  lord. 
Hendrick — The    same    wood    where   Birdsey   was  at- 
tacked was  a  perfect  paradise  for  the  poet  or  the  sports- 
man.    The  giant  patriarchs  of  the  forest,  their  trunks  beard- 
ed with   the  moss  of  centuries,  towering  high  and  grandly 
into  the  blue  heavens,  their  broad  branches  spreading  out 
their  green  leaves  joyously  to  the  blue  ether  and  genial 
shower,  while  the  summer  breezes,  sweeping  among  them, 
sent  forth  solemn  hymns  of  harmony  to  Him  who  had  raised 
them  from  the  minute  seed.     The  squirrel  and  the  rabbit 
gamboled  undisturbed  on  the  fine  greensward  spread  out  at 
their  feet,  which  was  clear  from  undergrowth  and  smooth  as 
a  park,  save  where  here  and  there  a  swampy  bottom,  loaded 
with  vines  and  glistening  with  wild  flowers,  gave  variety  to 
the  scene  and  cover  to  the  game.     Through   it  coursed  a 
lovely  little  rivulet,  which  swept  smoothly  along  around  the 
roots  of  the  alders  and  old  trees,  attended  by  the  dragon-fly 
and  many-colored  birds  and  insects  in  its  course,  though 
now  and  then  bubbling  and  disputing  for  the  mastery  with 
some  envious  rock  or  pertinacious  log,  in  whose  eddies  the 


\  \ 
HI 


il 


!li 


\M 


2JQ  SPIRITIANA 

trout  were  quietly  sleeping  or  playing  among  the  bubbles. 
You  could  hardly  advance  a  dozen  yards,  in  the  season, 
without  having  the  blood  started  to  your  cheek  by  the  sud- 
den  xv-h-ir  of  the  partridge  or  the  quiet  spring  of  the  wood- 
cock getting  up  at  your  feet. 

Spirit— Ah-ha !  Hendrick,  ah-ha !   are  you  there?  are 
you  there,  my  boy  ?     "  Take  heed,  dogs,"  take  heed  !     Care, 
Sancho  !-Dash,  take  heed  !     See  !-tails  and  noses  straight 
as  a  line-stiff   as  a   ramrod.     ^F///r-w///r-bang-bang- 
one,  two,  th-r-e-e  ;  bring  'em  in,  boys-bring  'em  in.      Load 
and  on,  ah-ha!     Spirit  of   Nimrod  !  how   delicious  at   the 
evening  supper  those  delicate  white  breasts,  scored  with  the 
gridiron,  sprinkled  knowingly  with  pepper  and  salt,  flanked 
with  the  white  bread  and  golden  butter,  the   honest   mealy 
potatoes  bursting  from  their  russet  jackets,  and   the  dark 
brown  Mocha  swimming  with  cream,  sending  forth  its  rich 

aroma. 

HENDRICK.-Ay,    ay-but  the   trout,  too,  the  trout,  my 
Spirit.    Quick !  look  into  this  deep  pool  here,  just  out  of  the 
eddy.     Whist!  here,  here,  in  the  shade   of  this  oak.     Peer 
down  into  the    deep,  dark  hollow  at  its  feet,  around  its 
gnarled  and  fantastic  roots ;  do  you  see  him  ?  do  you  see  r 
How  beautifully  the  gold  and  purple  colors  glitter !  how 
motionlessly  still  is  the  head,  the  slight  movement  of  the  fin, 
the  wary  motion  of  the  tail-a  three-pounder,  by  the  God- 
dess Diana!      Hist,  hist!  throw  your  fly  lightly  over   him  ; 
let  it  fall  quietly  on  the  surface ;  ay  !  now  he  rushes  from 
his  reverie,  the  head  slowly  turns,  now  the  fins  move  more 
decidedly;  now,  now-one  rapid  whirl  of  the  tail,  and,  ha-ha  ! 
-he  rests  on  the  earthen  platter  at  the  other  end  of   the 
table.    Allow  me  to  help   you,  my   dear  fellow,  to-egad  ! 


SPIRITIANA 


211 


?| 


we  are  at  a  regular  Barmecide's  feast ;  this  will  never  do— 
a  glass  of  "  Chateau  "  with  you  in  reality,  my  boy. 

^Vi-^vi  {smacks  his  /?»— There's  no  Barmecide  in  this, 

though,  Hendrick. 

Hendrick— True  for  you,  my  Spirit.     But  "  those  same 
men  in  Buckram  "—I  have  got  more  to  say  about   those 
same  snakes.     When  the  western  States  began  to  be  settled, 
the  New  Englanders,  as   usual,  were   foremost  among  the 
pioneers.    There  was  a  man  in  the  same  village  that  we 
have  been  speaking  of,  who  pulled  up  stakes  in  the  autumn, 
shouldered  his  ax  and   rifle,  and,  with  his  wife  and   baby, 
trudged  off  to  Ohio.     He   settled   upon  the   "  grant,"  and, 
building  a   shanty,   proceeded   incontinently   to  level    the 
forest  around  him.     Now,  in  his  economy  of  labor,  he  had 
erected  his  cottage  against  the  side  of  a  large  rock,  where, 
by  leaving  a  hole  in  his  roof,  he  saved  the  trouble  of   build- 
ing a  chimney;    but,   unconsciously  and  unfortunately  for 
'm,  a  certain  colony  of  sage  rattlesnakes  had  their   den 
under,  and  held  the  same  rock,  by  right  of  prior  occupancy. 
As  the  weather  was  cool,  they  remained  very  qui-.t  in  their 
den,  the  fire  of  the  woodman,  for  his  cooking,  being  built  upon 
the  stones  outside  of  the  cottage  door ;  but  as  it  became 
cold,  one  night,   in  the  absence  of  her  husband,  the  wife 
built  a  fire  against  the  side  of  the  rock,  and  retired  to  bed 
with  her  child.     Something  aroused  her  from   sleep,  when, 
rising  to  look  around,  she   saw    the  whole  floor  of   the  hut 
covered  with  the  reptiles,  awakened  from  their  dormancy  by 
the  heat  of  the  fire,  writhing  and  hissing  and  crawling  about 
with  frightful  vivacity  ;  and  what  was  worse,  between  her 
and  the  door,  and  some  already  crawling  up  upon  the  bed. 
Fortunately,  there  was  a  small  attic  cockloft  above  her,  into 


:,; 


SPIRITIANA 

which,  by  the  aid  of  a  ladder  leading  to  it,  she  was  able  to 
crawl  where,  with  her  child  in  her  arms,  she  watched  the 
scene  below  in  comparative  safety.    But  here  a  new  cause 
of  alarm  seized  her-,  should  her  husband  return,  as  she  ex- 
nected,  he  would  enter  the  cabin,  and,  before  he  was  aware 
o    the  new  denizens,  be  stung  to  death.      She  succeeded 
however,  in  making  a  hole  through  the  logs  of  the  roof,  and, 
patiently  waiting  his  return,  was  able  to  give  h.m,  fron,  the 
p    son,  a  timely  caution  as  to  the  state  of  affa.rs  m  the  home 
dep.°r tment.    The  honest  woodman  ascended  the  roof  of  the 
sha'nty.  and  soon,  with  his  axe,  relieved  his  w,fe  from  her 
confinement,  and  then,  setting  fire  to  the  hut,  destroyed 
its  mea.^er  contents  and  the  snakes  together. 

s"  KIT-Well,  for  my  part,  I  would  as  lief  take  the 
devil  by  the  tail  as  a  snake,  but  I  have  seen  those  South- 
ern  boys  catch  them  as  they  ran,  as  they  would  a  wh.p- 

lash,  and  snap  off  their  heads.  .\ ,    ,  ,,„ 

Hendrick-So  would  I.  I  abhor  the  very  s.ght  of  a  snake, 
and  had  1  any  doubts  as  to  my  legitimate  descent  from 
Mother  Eve,  they  would  be  dissipated  by  my  innate  an- 
tipathy to  the  reptile  race.*    But    speaking  of    catchmg 

snakes  reminds  me  of  a  good  story  that  my  fnend  D 

tells  of  himself.  He  was  at  the  time,  in  his  vocation  as  en. 
.ineer,  employed  in  the  construction  of  the  South  Carohna 
Railroad.  One  day,  in  Charleston,  a  naturahst  showmg 
him  his  collection,  among  other  specimens  of  the  serpent 

*  Nevertheless,  it  is  a  fact  equally  humiliating  and  true,  that  the 
idolatrous    worship  of     this    loathsome    reptile  has    dways    ob 
tained  in  enormous  proportions  in  the  human  family.      H.s  temples 
w"e  cylindrical,  and  were  called  OB-EL-IS-KA,  or  Tke  T,«.pU  of 
the  Serpent  Gad,  hence  our  word  oMisk. 


SPIRITIAMA 


213 


tribe,  pointed  to  one  of  a  very  venomous  character, 
which  he  said  he  was  anxious  to  obtain  alive,  as  he 
wished  to  make  a  drawing  of  it  before  the  colors  faded 
(as  they  do  immediately  after  the    life   is   extinct),  at   the 

same  time  begging  D ,  should  he  fall  in  with  it  in  the 

woods,  to  capture  and  bring  it  in  to  him  unhurt.    D very 

naturally  suggested  that  a  serpent  of  that  character  was 
more  to  be  admired  than  handled.  But  the  doctor,  him- 
self an  enthusiast  in  his  profession,  assured  him  that 
nothing  was  more  easy  than  to  secure  him.  He  had 
simply  to  cut  a  forked  stick,  and  placing  its  crotch  over  the 
snake's   head,  take  him  by  the   neck  just  behind,  in  which 

position  he  would  be  perfectly  harmless.     D ,  a  few  days 

after,  in  the  woods,  came  across  the  snake  in  question,  and 
proceeded  straightway  to  follow  the  doctor's  directions  ; 
cut  the  forked  stick,  and,  approaching  the  sleeping  reptile, 
placed  the  crotch  over  his  head,  and  then,  putting  down  his 
thumb  and  finger,  secured  him,  secundum  artem,  as  the  doctor 
had  suggested.  Letting  go  the  stick,  the  snake  was  in  an 
instant  coiled  around  his  arm,  so  tight  as  to  be  absolutely 
painful,  but  at  the  same  time,  it  must  be  acknowledged,  ef- 
fectually   prevented   from   biting.     A  moment's  reflection 

was  sufficient  to  show  D that  he  was  in  a  very  respecta- 

ble  fix— that  he  had  got  to  hold  on  to  his  snakeship  till 
death  did  them  part,  or  run  the  chance  of  making  his  exit 
from  this  sublunary  sphere  with  the  only  consolation 

•'  As  up  to  Heaven  he  went 

Of  crying—'  cruf/,  cru<r/,  cruel  sar/(?«/.'  " 

So  he  turned  about,  commenced  trotting  as  fast  as  he  could 
(for  he  was  on  foot)  three  miles  back  to  Charleston,  to  de- 
liver  to  his  friend,  the  Doctor,  his  much-desired  specimen. 


I 

III    I 

.r— ,     i     I 


li 


214 


SPIRITIANA 


The  upshot  o(  the  business  was,  that  by  the  time  he  had  got  to 
town,  what  with  eagerness  to  secure  the  prize  and  trep.cla- 
tion  lest  he  should  be  stung,  the  miniature  representative  of 
Satan  was  choked  to  death,  and  my  friend  pretty  effectually 
cured  of  any  more  snake  captures. 

[SCIPIO  ami  Dinah  seen  looking  around  the  corner  of  tite 
piazza,  gazing  intcntli'  at  "  THE  Spirit."] 

Spirit-  „,„^, 

By  the  pricking  of  my  thumb.s 
Something  wicked  this  way  comes." 

SCIPIO  to  DiNAH-I  say,  Dinah!  dafs  him  as  Massa 
Hendrick  calls  "  de  Spirit."  Golly !  Dinah,  he  no  more  hke 
de  spirits  in  old  times,  than  nothing  at  all.  Whar  he  b^ 
horns'  Whar  he  claws?  Whar  he  long  tail?  and  whar  he 
great  flaming  eyes  ?    And  see,  Dinah,  he  smoke  'bacca  'stead 

o'  brimstone !  . 

Spirit  {suddenly  turning,  descries  the  negroes;  throivs  Inm- 

self  into  an  attitude) — 

•'Angels  and  ministers  of  grace  defemi  as, 
Be  ye  spirits  of  health,  or  goblins  damned,—      _ 
Bring  ye  airs  from  Heaven,  or  blast  from  Hell.- 
JF/m' come  ye  in  such  questionable  shape  ? 
Say.W^^visthis?     Wherefore?    What  should  we  do ? 

SCIPIO— Golly !  Massa? 
Spirit— 

"  Avaunt  and  quit  my  sight— 

-There  is  no  speculation  in  those 

Eyes  of  thine.     Thy  bones  are  marrowless. 
Avaunt,  I  say." 

SciPio— Hi !  Dinah.     {Exit precipitately  Scipio  and  Dinah). 
Spirit  {laughing)— Yi^.—'^^—^^  • 

"So,  being  gone," 
"  Richard  is  himself  again." 


SPIRITIAiYA 


215 


Hendrick— Ho,  ho.  ho!  Egad,  you  have  frightened  hall 
a  dozen  years  out  of  the  blacks. 

Spirit— Well,   Hendrick,  there's  an  end  to  all  things. 

white  and  black.    One  more  glass,  my  boy,  and  I  must  be  off. 

Hendrick— Never  think  of  it,  my  dear  fellow;  you  don't 

stir.     We  must  make  a  night  of  it.     There's  a  capital  bed 

and  an  indifferent  good  supper  for  you  within. 

Spirit— I  cannot.  Sachem,  I  cannot.  I  must  be  at  the 
Opera  to-night,  "  come  what,  come  may,"  and  1  have  just 
one  hour  to  do  ten  miles  and  dress  before  the  curtain  rises. 
Hendrick— Well,  if  you  must,  you  must.  "  Welcome 
the  coming,  speed  the  parting  guest."  But  one  more  toast 
before  you  go.  No  heel  taps ;  fill  with  old  "  Farquar,"  to  the 
brim,  boy,  to  the  brim  !  Here's  to  the  "  Bayonets  and  Board- 
ing pikes  "—the  gallant  boys  of  the  Army  and  Navy— health 
and  success  to  them  ! 

Spirit— With  all  my  soul,  not  forgetting  the  Dragoons, 
"  with  their  long  swords,  saddles,  bridles,"  {tossingoffhis  wine). 
Holloa!  Scip'!  you  image  of  Satan,  bring  round  those 
horses.  Ay  !  you  are  there,  you  black  villain,  are  you  ?  Ah, 
ha!  my  beauties.  {Ascends  the  box,  takes  the  ribbons, gives  a 
flourish  zvith  his  whip,  the  extreme  length  of  the  lash  coming  round 
zi'ith  peculiar  grace  upon  the  rear  of  Scipio,  who  Jumps  up,  clapping 
his  hand  to  the  aggrieved  part,  but  catches  with  a  broad  grin  with 
the  other,  the  half  dollar  tossed  in  the  air)  Good  bye,  Hen- 
drick, I'm  off.     Hey!  babies!  {the  horses  spring forzuard.) 

Hendrick— There  he  goes,  off  like  a  whirlwind.     Good 
bye,  old  fellow !  How  the  sand  flies !  One  hundred  to  one 
he  shows  his  back  to  everything  on  the  road.     Ay,  ay  1  he's 
a  right  good  fellow ;  no  cant  and  no  humbug. 
[Exit  Hendrick.'] 


f 


H  I  J 


VTi"flJ 


V 


1  I 


t  1' 


SPIRITIANA.— NO.    II. 


WINTER. 


By  my  faith!  'tis  a  good  world,  and  a  brave  world,  and  a  jolly  world;  and  they 
be  knaves  ai.d  varlets  that  say  it  be  x^oi.—Maskt  Feter. 

HENDRICK'S  Cottage  at  the  Narrows,  Long  Island. 
Ground  covered  ivith  snow;  a  handsome  light  blue  sleigh, 
with  voluminous  wolf  and  buffalo  robes  filling  the  interi- 
or and  falling  out  over  the  sides  and  runners,  and  four  beautiful 
bloods  in  the  traees;  bays  with  coal-black  leaders,  covered  with 
foam,  at  the  door.  Seated  zvithin  it,  muffled  in  furs,  the  one  hold- 
ing the  ribbons  tall  and  slender,  and  the  other  with  the  never-fad- 
ing cigar  in  his  mouth,  broad-shouldered  and  manly,  the  -  Tall 


SPIRITIAiVA—II 


217 


Son"  and  "  ToM  Jones"  bound  and  accoiitercd  for  a  sleigh 
ride;  the  former,  rising  on  his  feet,  hails  the  house) 

Tall  Son— Hilla— ho  '.—house— ho— house  !     Wake  up, 
Hendrick!     Hilla— ho!  Scip  !  you  black  old  rascal,  crawl 

out  here— crawl  out ! 

{The  door  suddenly  opens;  a  black  face  projects  itself  for  an 
instant  and  as  suddenly  withdraws,  the  door  closing  after  it,  and 
Scipio  runs  hastily  to  Hendrick' s  study  ivith—) 

SciPio— "Golly!  Massa.  Here's  Massa  "Spirit"  and 
another  gemman  at  the  door  in  dere  sleigh,  der  noses  as  red 
as  roses  and  de  horses  all  in  a  lather ! 

Hendrick— The  deuce  they  are!  {Jumps  up,  kicks  over 
the  stool  on  which  his  legs  are  resting  throws  his  book  upon  the 
table  and  incontinently  places  himself  at  the  door.)  Ah !  ha ! 
"  Spirit  "-Tom  !  boys,  1  am  right  glad  to  see  you.  Come- 
get  out  and  warm  yourselves.  Let  Scipio  take  the  horses 
round  to  the  stable  out  of  the  cold.     Come  in,  boys  ;  come 

in ! 

SPIRIT-Can't,  Hendrick ;  can't,  'pon  my  honor.     VV  e  are 

bound  on  a  tour  of  observation.  Going  to  wake  up  K 
at  the  Fort,  down  here,  and  then  round  by  New  Utrecht  and 
Bath  and  Flatbush  home.  You  see  old  Sol  yonder  is  throw- 
ing  sidelong  glances  at  us  even  now ;  he  is  so  impatient  at 
this  season  of  the  year  to  get  on  his  night-cap.  For  a  gentle- 
man that  has  so  much  to  do  he  gets  up  confoundedly  late 
and  goes  to  bed  unreasonably  early. 

HENDRICK-Come  in,  a  few  minutes  at  least,  and  let  your 

horses  have  a  chance  to  breathe. 

Spirit-WcU,  we'll  spare  a  few  moments ;  come,  Tom. 

HENDRICK-That's  right.     Scipio,  throw  blankets  over 
the  horses.     Come,  come  in  here,  into  my  study-warm  and 


2l8 


SPIRITIANA—II 


snug.  Throw  off  your  caps  and  overcoats.  There  you  are 
—a  pair  of  beautiful  Caryatides  to  my  fire-place.  "  May  your 
shadows  never  be  less."     Tom,  my  dear  boy,  I'm  right  glad 

to  see  you  ! 

Tom— Glad  to  st^  you.  {Puff— ptiff— puff) 
Spirit — Entre-nous,  Tom  is  somewhat  silent.  He  took  a 
pretty  stiff  tankard  of  hot  whisky  punch  coming  down,  and 
the  effect  of  the  unusual  potation  in  the  cold  weather  is,  I 
fear,  a  decided  inroad  on  his  pia  mater.  He  has  been  very 
taciturn  for  the  last  half  hour. 

Hendrick— Well,  isn't  this  a  glorious  scene  around? 
Old  Winter  in  all  his  rigor  and  all  his  savage  beauty. 

Spirit— Yes,  "by  the  frosty  Caucassus !  "  Summer's 
gone— its  leaves  and  its  flowers,  its  birds  and  soft  breezes— 
and  old  Dame  Nature,  like  a  true  Chinese,  has  donned  her 
robes  of  white  mourning  for  her. 

Tom— Do  your  Chinese  wear  black  of  white  color  ? 
Spirit— Even  so,  great  Thomas.     We,  the  "  outside  bar- 
barians,"  alone  use  the  sombre  in  token  of  our  grief. 

Tom— Well,  well;  I  say  nothing.  I  can  smoke,  though  ; 
they  can't  object  to  that? 

Spirit— No !  by  the  flaming  nostrils  of  Fashion !  no, 
Tom— that  they  cannot.  Your  Turk  and  your  Arab,  your 
American  Indian  and  your  New  Hollander,  your  English- 
man and  your  Frenchman,  alike  enjoy  the  fragrant  weed ; 
all  smoke.  "  Vanity  of  vanities,"  saith  the  preacher  ;  never- 
theless, all  smoke.  {Spies  a  sealed  envelope  lying  on  the  table, 
addressed  to  "  THE  Spirit.")  Egad !  Hendrick,  what's  this  ? 
Shall  I  be  my  own  post-boy  and  pocket  it,  "  postage  free  ?  " 
Hendrick— E'en  as  you  like.  It's  only  a  sketch  I  was 
about  sending  you  for  a  corner  of  "  The  Spirit." 


SPIRITIANA—II 


219 


Spirit--  Business  before  pleasure,"  as  "  Mad  Anthony  " 
used  to  say  to  his  soldiers.  "  Wax !  by  your  leave."  Tom, 
ni  read  this  here;  'twill  save  the  necessity  of  doing  it  next 
week.    {Reads>i  ,     ,,  ,     , 

I  pass  like  night  from  land  to  land, 

I  have  strange  power  of  speech; 

So  soon  as  in  his  face  I  see, 

I  know  the  man  that  must  hear  me, 

To  him  my  tale  I  teach. 

—Rime  of  ye  Aticient  Manner. 

Cottage  at  the  Narrows. 
Start  not,  my  dear  "  Spirit,"  at  the  heading  of  this  com- 
munication.    But  here  I  am  in  some  measure  embargoed  in 
my  snug  little  cottage.     The  snow  is  piled  in  drifts  around 
my  windows  ;  the  old  willows  are  bending  under  their  hoary 
loads ;  the  ocean,  dark  and  gloomy,  roused  by  the  tempest, 
is  lashing  himself   into  fearful  wrath  ;  and  the  vessels,  like 
frio-htened  birds,  with  reefed  sails,  are  scudding  in   every 
direction  for  a  harbor.     The  blacks  are  nodding   a   dreary 
dialogue  over  the  dying  embers  on  the  kitchen  hearth.    The 
Newfoundlander,  with  nose  between  his  paws,  at  my  feet,  is 
fast  asleep,  unconscious,  alike  of  all  ills  that  do  afflict  the 
family,  canine  or  human.     The  horses,  in  their  warm,  well- 
littered  stalls  in  the  stable,  are  contentedly  munching  at  their 
oats,  while  the  little  terrier,  with  eyes  hke  blazing  coals,  is 
standing  guard  over  a  new-found  rat-hole,  whereupon,  if  his 
ratship  pops  his  head,  he  will  i'  the  instant  be  "  dead  for  a 
ducat— dead."     And  here  am  I,  before  my  cheerful  fire,  loll- 
ing in  my  great  arm-chair,  suddenly  aroused  by  the  notion 
that  to  drive  away  ennui  I'll  seize  my  pen  and  give  you 


i 


'  >  1 6", 

I'  i. 


mmm 


A  PEEP  OVER  THE  BLUE  RIDGE. 

Lep. "  You  have  strange  serpents  there? 

Ant. — "Ay,  Lepidus. 

LEi'.—Your  serpent  of  Egypt  is  bred  now 
Of  your  mud,  by  the  operation  of  your 
Sun  !     So  is  your  crocodile."— /i«^.  andCleo. 

WHOA,  my  beauties !—soh,  boys,  soh  !    Them  there's 
what  we  call  mountains,  in  old  Virginy,"  exclaimed 
the  good-natured  stage-driver,  as  he  pulled  up  his 
leaders  on  the  summit  of  a  pass  on  the  road. 

It   was  in  the  decline  of    a  summer's   afternoon  ni  the 
month  of  June,  that  we  thus  halted  for  a  moment  on  the 
top  of  one  of  the  high  hills,  in  the  vicinity  of   the    White 
Sulphur  springs,  of  Virginia,  to  catch  a  glimpse  of   the  Alle- 
ghanies,  as  they  rolled  away  like  waves  of  verdure  m  the 
distance,  their    huge   masses   melting   in   the  horizon   like 
dark    clouds,    while    the    atmosphere   above    and    around 
them  hung  still  and  breathless,  and  pure  as  the  sapphire.  We 
gazed  upon  the  scene,  and  with  reluctance  tore  ourselves 
from    the  view,    as   the   snorting   leaders,   "  touched    up,' 
sprang  forward  again  on  their  journey.     A  few  miles  fur- 
ther   suddenly  turning  an  abrupt  precipice  in    a  valley   of 
great    elevation,  between   the  mountains,  but    still  below 
us     burst     on     our      view     the     little      fairy,     ^^  White 
Sulphur--th^    Saratoga    of    the    South   and    the    West 
the     place     of      our     destination.      On     four    sides    of 
a    hollow    square,    of     perhaps    the    eighth    of    a    mile 
in    length,   the     rows    of     cottages    (or    cabins,   as   they 


A  PEEP  OVER  THE  BLUE  RIDGE 


221 


are    called)  were  glistening  cheerfully  in  the  evening  sun, 
in    bright   relief   against   the    dark   background  of   forest, 
which   in   their   rear  immediately    overhung   them.     Con- 
nected by  long  piazzas,  they  looked  out  upon  the  square, 
which  was  laid  out  in  a  verdant  lawn,  divested  of    trees, 
save  here  and   there    some    of   the    old   patriarchs   of    the 
forest,   huge   oaks    and    chestnuts,  left    for  shade  or  orna- 
ment,  and    under  whose    shade  were  lounging  groups    of 
visitors.     At  the   extreme   end,   under   its    canopy,  rested 
the  Spring,  the  health-restoring  waters  that  furnish  us  its 
great  attraction  (an   idea  of    the  taste  and  smell  of  which 
any  of  your  sporting    readers    may  have,  by  washing   his 
gun-barrels  and  smelling  the  contents),  while  in  the  center 
was  the  great  dining-hall  and  ball-room.     The   line   of   cot- 
tages were  so  arranged  that  at  intervals  a  higher  edifice 
wkh  columns  added  to  the  architectural  effect.     The   rows 
connected  by  piazzas  were  designated   by  various  names. 
There  was  ''Alabama  Row;'  where  might  be  seen  the  bach- 
elors and  men  without  encumbrance,  indulging   themselves, 
indolently  reclining  with  their  cigars  or  their  books,  while 
beyond  was  -Paradise  i?^«;,"  specially   designated   for  the 
ladies,  with  or  without,  as  might  be,  tlieir  lords   paramount, 
husbands,  or  brothers.     Louisiana  Row,  NeivYork,  Pennsylva- 
uia,  and  Georgia,  with   other  States,  were   duly  represented, 
while  far  off  in  one  corner  was  ''Wolf  Row,-  a  sort  of  Alsa- 
tia,  where  the  "  roaring  boys,"  the  "babes  of  grace,"  and  the 
"  sporting  men  "  (as  the  gamblers  are  called  at  the  South) 
were  quartered.      Some   of  the   stories  that    they  told  of 
the  "  carryings  on  "  in  that  part  of  the  premises  evmced  a 
queer  state  of  morals,  and  to  the  actors  in  the  scenes  might 
have  been,  one'would  think,  more  exciting  than  agreeable  ; 


as  for  instance,  one  drunken  ga  r ;    ..•   going  into  the  cabin 
of  his  next-door  neighbor,  with  .     m  he  had  quarrekd  ,n 
the  night,  and   pinning  him  to  the  pillow  w,th  h,s  bow.e- 
knife,  calling  for  his  "  boy  "  to  brinj,  a  light  that     he  m.ght 
despatch  the  scoundrel."      However,   at  the  t,me  we  were 
there,  the  desperate  characters  had  been  driven   from  the 
place,  and,  inclosed  with  a  fence,  were  two  of  the  cabins 
which   were  leased    to  a  leading  gambler    who    ran    th 
risk  of  the  law)  and  whose  interest  it  was  to  keep  off  all  of 
the  same  vocation  as  himself.    There,  if   you  chose    you 
might,  under  proper  (?)  introduction,  be  initiated,  and  fur- 
nished  with  Faro,  Roulette,  or  any  other  of  the  '-rumen  s 
with  which  the  votaries  of  fate  seek  to  propitiate  the  fickle 
goddess.    The  proprietors  of  the  Springs  stated,  in  extenu- 
ation  of  this    seeming   impropriety,  that  in  so  doing   the 
unsuspicious  were  protected  against  designing  knaves,  and 
that  if  others  chose  to  go  there,  it  was  with  their  eyes  open 

and  at  their  own  risk. 

Mr  Cauldwell,  the  owner  of  the  Springs,  a  venerable  gen- 
tleman, was  surrounded  by  nine  sons,  fine  looking  men,  who 
luxuriated  in  lives  of  sylvan  ease,  and  whose  vocation  seemed 
to  be  to  kill  the  enemy,  lolling  in  the  summer  days  under 
the  trees,  or  in  their  white  dresses  and  huge  sombreros,  cigars 
in  mouth,  galloping  on  their  blood  horses  over  the  ad,oni- 
ing  country.      In  the  summer,  though   hot  and  sultry   at 
midday,  at  night  and  morning  huge  fires  were  required   .n 
the  cabins,  so  cold  and  piercing   was  the  high  mountain 
temperature.    Words  can  hardly  describe  the  delicious  sen- 
sation felt  as  the  early  morning  air,  loaded  with  the  aroma 
of  the  forest,  the  pines  and  hemlocks,  was  mhaled  on  the 
opening  of  the  cottage  door  ;  the  exhilaration  of  champagne 


A  PEEP  OVER  THE  BLUE  RIDGE 


223 


the  cabin 
irreled   in 
lis  bowie- 
he  might 
3  we  were 
from  the 
he   cabins 
ran    the 
off  all  of 
hose,  you 
J,  and  fur- 
istruments 
the   fickle 
in  extenu- 
doing    the 
:naves,  and 
eyes  open 

erable  gen- 
J  men,  who 
ion  seemed 
lays  under 
eros,  cigars 
the  adjoin- 
i  sultry  at 
-equired    in 


without  its  intoxication  ;  and  from  early  dawn  till  long  into 
the  morning  the  whole  valley  was  one  sea  of  melody.  It 
appeared  as  if  a  million  of  aviaries  were  concealed  under 
the  mist,  which  always  hangs  on  the  mountains  till  dispelled 
by  the  sun  ;  myriads  of  mocking-birds  and  other  songsters, 
warbling  their  notes  as  if  in  an  ecstasy  of  delight. 

Deer  and  game  were  plenty,  and  in  the  season  the 
Cauldwells  made  the  forests  ring  with  their  cheers  and 
hunt  halloos,  as  they  followed  the  hounds  in  full  chase  over 
the  mountains. 

The  horses  went  for  hours  at  full  gallop  up  and  down 
precipices,    which     would     have    knocked    our     Northern 
horses  up  in  five  minutes,  but  they  were   accustomed  to  it 
—their  muscles  rigid    as   iron;  they  would    neither   snort 
nor    blow,  but  appeared   to  enjoy  the   excitement  equally 
with     their    riders.      The     Cauldwells     were     all      keen 
huntsmen,  and  had  fin     blood  horses  in  their  stables,  and, 
what    is    not  often    found   in    the    country,  a  full   pack  of 
hounds.      It  consisted  of  about  fifty  dogs,  and  when  they 
opened  on    the  mountains  (or  scented  "  vermin  "  prowling 
around  their  kennels)  and   "  gave  cry,"  their    music  would 
make    everything   ring   again.      Man  has  been  designated 
as  a  laughing  animal,  a  talking  animal,  a  dressing  animal, 
but  judging  from  our  experience  he  may  as  well  be  called 
a  lounging  animal,  for  with  our   cigars  in  our  mouths,  we 
used  to  loll  day  after  day  under  those  huge  trees,  merely  with- 
drawing from  the  sun  as  it  circled  its  daily  course.     Some- 
times, indeed,  we  would  take  our  guns,  and  wander  off  to 
the  "  deer-licks,"  sometimes  with  rod  to  tempt  the  speckled 
lordling  of  the  brook ;  but  we  are  bound  to  say  that  much 
of  our  time  was  dozed  away  in  that  same  lazy  style.     Among 


Ik' 
11 


!1  ifl 


;il!l>!l  191111 

i  iiiiii " 


A  PEEP  OVER  THE  BLUE  JUDGE 
224  ^  ■«  -^ 

SO  many  collected  from  all  parts  of  the  world,  as  were  always 
to  be  found  there,  and  which  were  constantly  changmg,  there 
was  a  sufficient  variety  of  character  to  afford  study  and 
amusement.     Among  others  there  was  one,  a  Frenchman,  a 
naturalist,  whose  sole  passion  was  the  collection  of  reptiles  ; 
a  snake  was  a  jewel;  frogs,  toads,  and  spiders  invaluable 
treasures;  and  his  pockets  and  handkerchief,  indiscriminate- 
Iv    the  place  of  durance  for  his  captives.      His  cabin  was 
next  to  mine,  and  one  night,  aroused  by  sundry  queer  thumps 
and  iumps  and  bounds,  I  went  to  ascertain  the  cause,  and 
there  found  Roussall,  with  tongs  in  hand,  jumping  about  in 
his  shirt  in  pursuit  of  his  victims,  who  by  accident  had  got 
loose  about  the  floor.     Occasionally  snapping  his  tongs,  he 
would  make  captive  a  toad  or  a  frog,  consigning  him  to  his 
place,  but  his  more  frequent  abortive  efforts  were  accompa- 
nied  by  ^^  Sacres^  and  -  Diables^  sufficient  to  have  scared 
even  Uncle  Toby's  regiment  in  Flanders.     But  speaking  of 
snikes  it  is  an   old   saying,  and  as  /  found,  worthy  of  all 
credence,  that  if  a  fact  isn't  such,  then  ^^thcre  aint  no  snakes 
in    Viro-inyr  for  snakes  were  in  such  abundance  as  I  never 
had  se^en  till  then,  from   the    old   rattler,  with  his  sixteen 
rattles,  surely  giving  his  enemy  warning,  down  to  the  adder 
blind  and   moccasin.     I  recollect  we  one   day  made  up  a 
party  to  go  down  to  a  "  Deer  Lick,"  four  or  five  miles  dis- 
tant from  the  Springs,  where,  lying  in  wait,  concealed  under 
what  is  called  ^"l^lind"  (a  heap  of  logs,  or  pile  of  brush),  we 
might  get  a  shot  at  the  deer  as  they  came  down  to  drink. 
They  have  other  ways  of  killing  them,  which,  though  pic- 
turesque, is  little  better  than  murder  for  the  poor  deer.     In 
their  ^^mg/it-huntingr  for  instance,  two  of  the  hunters  go  out 
to  the  "  licks  "  (brackish,  slightly  saline  springs,  where  the 


A  PEEP  OVER  THE  BLUE  RIDGE 


225" 


animals,  allured   by   the  salt,  come  down  to  drink).     One 
carries  on  his  head  a  pan  or  brazier,  on  which  are  one  or 
two   lighted  pine-knots,  throwing  a  circle    of    light  upon 
the  surrounding  darkness,  rendering  the  hunter  beneath   it 
invisible,  while  his  companion,  standing  behind  him,  rests  his 
rifle  upon  his  shoulder.     The  deer,  attracted  by  the  light, 
approaches  to  gaze,  and  the  hunter  draws  sight  at  his  leisure, 
directly  between  the  two  bright  eye-balls,  from  which  in  the 
darkness  the  blaze  is  reflected.     Of  course  the  poor  animal 
stands  no  chance,  and  the  sharp  whip-like  crack  of  the  rifle, 
as  it  for  an  instant  resounds  through  the  forest,  is  followed 
by  one  or  two  plunges,  and  the  victim  sinks  in  death.     On 
the  day  that  I  allude  to,  a  party  of  five  of  us  went  out  with 
our  guns,  pioneered   by  one  of  the  young  Caldwells  (they 
use  shot  guns,  and  load  with  tw^elve  to  sixteen  buck  shot). 
It  was  exceedingly  hot,  and  as  we  wended  our  way  through 
the  forest,  with  the  exception  of  the  hum  of  an  insect,  and 
the  occasional  rap— rap— rap  of  the  wood-pecker,  as  we  saw 
for  a  moment  his  scarlet  head  and  blue  back  circling  some 
dead  tree,  all  was  perfectly  silent  and  still.     We  followed 
our  guide  in  Indian  file,  wending  our  way  through  gullies, 
cUmbing  precipices,  stumbling  over  the  huge   old   trunks 
mouldering  in  rottenness  where  they  had  fallen,  but  from 
whose  very  decay  young  life  was  springing  up  in  conflict 
with  its  relentless  enemy. 

Now  stopping  to  pluck  an  azalia,  geranium  or  laurel ;  now 
to  gaze  on  the  beauty  of  some  star-like  nameless  flower— 
(who  shall  say  that  it  was  born  to  blush  ''unseen^  while 
animal  life  in  myriads  swarms  around,  and  while  other 
senses  than  those  of  men  may  appreciate  the  goodness 
of  the  Creator  in  Nature's  loveliness  ?)— when,  as  we  neared 


li:^ 


!-l4 


226 


A  PEEP  OVER   THE  BLUE  RIDGE 


the  place  of  our  destination,  and  approached  the  huge  trees 
that  overhung  the  "  Lick,"  we  heard  a  woodsman's  axe  re- 
sounding  through  the  forest,  and  soon  saw  a  brawny  negro 
felling  timber  near  the  very  spot.     Of  course  all  chance  for 
sport  was  gone,  as  the  deer,  alarmed  by  the  noise,  would  not 
%ipproach  his  favorite  haunts,  but  dive  more  deeply  into  the 
recesses  of  the  forest.     As  we  passed  a  swampy  bottom  on 
our  route,  one  of  my  companions,  who  was  just  behmd, 
called  to  me  to  turn.     He  pointed  to  the  ground,  and  there, 
within  a  foot  of  where  I  had  just  passed,  lay  an  enormous 
black-snake,  fast  asleep  in  his  coil.     We,  of  course,  all  stopped 
and   surveyed  him.     He  was  unconscious  of  our  presence 
until  a   slight  noise  was  made  to  wake  him,  when  in  an  in- 
stant his  coil  was  contracted,  his  head  and  neck  elevated, 
his  eyes  glistening  and  tongue  playing  like  a  forked  flame 
from  his  mouth,  turning  now  this,  now  that  way,  with  the 
quickness  of  electricity,  on  every  part  of  the  group,  ready 
to  spring  on  the  first  aggressor.     He  did  not  attempt  to  fly, 
but  in  defiance  a^ode   the  battle.     I  leveled  my  gun,  and  in 
another  instant  should  have  sent  him  to  the  realms  of  his 
great  ancestor,  the  devil,  when  my  arm  was  arrested  by  one 
of  the  Cauldwells,  who  begged  me  not  to  fire.     "  He  will 
kill,"  said  he,  "  a  dozen  rattlesnakes  before  the  summer  is 
over,  and  therefore  the  hunters  never  destroy  them."     There 
is  an  abiding  enmity  existing  between  the  black  and  rattle- 
snakes,  and    in  their  conflicts  death   is   the   doom  of   one 
of    them.     Sometimes    they   will  be   for   hours,   watching 
each  other's  motions,  as  warily  as  two  fencers,  the  black 
always  on  the  offensive,  the  rattlesnake  on  the  defence.    The 
latter  is  slow  and  sluggish  in  his  movements,  and  his  power 
lies  in  his  deadly  venom,  but  the  former  is  as  quick  as  light. 


A  PEEP  OVER  THE  BLUE  RIDGE 


227 


The  black-snake  watches  his  opportunity,  when  by  a  sudden 
spring  he  can  catch  his  opponent  behind  the  neck,  so  that 
he  cannot  use  his  fangs,  and  in  an  instant  his  body  is  womd 
round  and  round  his  enemy,  and  tightened  till  every  bone 
in  his  body  is  broken ;  but  woe  be  to  the  black  if  he  misses 
his  aim  ;  the  headsman's  axe  is  not  more  fatal  to  its  victim, 
than  the  death  that  follows  the  fangs  of  his  enemy  as  they 
are  dashed  up  to  the  quick  in  his  lithe  form.  In  a  few 
moments  he  is  writhing  helplessly  before  his  foe,  who  quiet- 
ly and  grimly  watches  him  from  his  coil  as  he  writhes  in  the 
agonies  of  death.  On  this  account  there  is  between  the 
hunter  and  the  black  snake  a  sort  of  truce,  and  the  law,  that 
"the  heel  of  man  shall  bruise  his  head,"  in  some  measure 
does  not  obtain  in  the  mountains  of  Virginia.  We  stood  for 
a  few  moments  gazing  at  the  glistening  serpent,  which 
looked  as  if  with  the  plaided  monarch  he  would  say 

"  Come  one,  come  cH;  this  rock  shall  fly 
From  its  firm  base,  as  soon  as  I;" 

showing  neither  fear  nor  intention  of  flighc.  After  we  left, 
we  turned  when  at  a  little  distance,  but  there  was  the  head 
still  elevated  and  the  coil  unmoved.  We  passed  the  same 
place  an  hour  after,  but  he  had  then  withdrawn,  probably 
to  his  den  in  some  more  dark  and  secluded  place  in  the 
swamp.  As  we  returned  on  our  way  through  the  clearings, 
supposing  that  wc  should  meet  with  more  basking  in  the 
sun,  I  said  jokingly  to  a  little  negro  boy  who  was  with  us, 
ai.d  who  rejoiced  in  the  name  of  Commodore  Perry:— 
'« Com.,  I'll  give  you  a  sixpence  if  you'll  kill  me  a  rattlesnake." 
"Yes,  sir,"  promptly  replied  the  little  imp,  "  yes,  sir;  shall 
I  bring  him  to  your  room,  sir?"  This  was  being  taken  at 
my  word  with  a  vengeance,  and  as  the  idea  of  having  a  dead 


I 


''''In  tli 


Hill' 


228  A^^EP  OVER  THE  BLUE  RIDGE 

rattlesnake  in  my  bed-chamber  was  a  little  too  much  for  my 
nerves,  I  was  fam  to  back  out  of  my  bargam. 

But  there  is  a  time  for  all  things,  which  remmds  me  that 
it  is  time  to  end  this  epistle ;  and  so,  my  dear  "  Spint."  al- 
though you  are  not  of  the  class  of  "  black  spirits  and  white, 
red  spirits  and  gray,"  summoned  to  mingle  t^e  mgredients 
in   the  charmed  caldron;    nor  of    those  called  by   Owen 
Glendower  "from  the  vasty  deep  ;'  nor  of  that  class  of  "^m- 
aldivils   or  ./W/.."  which,  according  to  old  Burton  "are 
commanded  by  Beehchub.  and  do  so  fill  the  air,  that  the  air 
be  not  more  full  of  flies  in  summer  than  it  be  of  those  same 
invisible  divils ; '  neither  the  "  spirit "  of  the  grape  that  cost 
poor  Cassio  his  lieutenancy ;  nor  the  spirit  that  humbugged 
poor  old  Faust ;  but  a  right-down  whole-souled  "  Spirit ;     a 
sort   of   ^^Diable  Boiteauxr  an  ^^  Asmodcnsr  albeit   without 
crutches.     I  will  now  whisper  farewell. 

SPIRIT-Well,  Hendrick,  whatever  demerit  your  sketch 
may  have,  it  can't  be  said  that  you  didn't  take  things  easy. 

Tom— (te^^/t/«^  «/)•— Eh  !  What? 

Spirit— Ha!  ha!  ha!  asleep,  by  Juno! 

Tom— Faith !  I  believe  I  must  plead  guilty  to  the  charge ; 

this  cold  makes  me  drowsy. 

HENDRICK-Most  likely.    Come,  boys,  now  that  you  are 
warm,  let's  have  a  glass  of  Burgundy  or  Madeira  together. 

Spirit-No,  no!     No  wine  now.     It's  bad  to  ride  on  m 

the  cold.  ,  ,      .^ 

Tom-No  ;  that  abominable  punch  has  made  my  brain 

reel  already  worse  than  poor  Cassio's. 

HENDRICK-Well,  then,  Dinah's  coffee-urn  is  singing  in 
the  parlor ;  let's  have  a  cup  of  that.  I  confess  I  am  no  friend 
to  Bacchus  in  any  shape  (albeit,  abhorring  the  cant  oi  tern- 


A  PEEP  OVER  THE  BLUE  RIDGE 


229 


for  my 

me  that 
irit,"  al- 
\  white, 
redients 
J   Owen 
of  ^'■acri- 
on,  "  are 
:  the  air 
Dse  same 
that  cost 
n bugged 
pirit;"  a 
without 

ir  sketch 
gs  easy. 


e  charge ; 

it  you  are 

together. 

ride  on  in 

my  brain 

singing  in 
1  no  friend 
nt  of  tem- 


perance) ;  his  libations  cloud  the  brain,  and  take  away  the 
fine  tone  of  intellectual  enjoyment.  I  wish  in  my  heart  that 
Satan  had  the  whole  vintage,  from  Adam  down,  stowed 
away  in  his  infernal  dominions ;  thereby  many  a  fine  fellow 
mio-ht  be  enjoying  life  as  Heaven  intended  it  should  be,  a 
boon,  instead  of  sinking  brutalized  into  an  early  grave. 

XoM— You  are  right,  Hendrick;  I  respond  with  all  my 
heart  to  your  sentiments,  and  feel  not  a  little  annoyed  that 
I  have  accidentally  given  a  proof  to  the  contrary. 

Spirit— Phoo !  man,  accidents  zvill  happen  in  the  best 
regulated  families.  But,  my  dear  boy,  we  can't  stay  a 
moment  longer.  We  have  got,  at  the  end  of  our  ride,  you 
know,  to  cross  that  confounded  ferry,  and  the  river  is  full  of 
ice.  So  we  must  be  off,  and  that  in  a  hurry.  So  good-bye 
to  you,  old  boy  ;   good-bye. 

(Tom  and  the  "  Spirit  "  jump  into  the  sleigh;  the  "  Spirit," 
straightning  the  ribbons,  gives  a  slight  circle  around  the  cars  of 
the  leaders  with  his  long  lash,  ivho  rear  bolt  upright  on  their  hind 
legs,  tvith  a  simtdtaneous  snort,  their  bells  jingling  a  sea  of  mcl- 
ody,  and  in  another  moment,  dashing  forward,  the  sleigh,  its 
horses  and  riders,  are  out  of  sight,  leaving  the  cottage  and  the 
winter  s  blast  far,  far  behind  thent.) 

Hendrick— (G"t?z«^  into  the  house,  stops,  and  turns)— \Yt\\, 
Scip,  what  are  you  lingering  and  standing  there  for,  scratch- 
ing your  head,  and  looking  with  such  profound  gravity  into 
the  snow  bank?     What  wondrous  crotchet  is  in  possession 

of  that  sapient  head  of  yours  now? 

SciPio— Massa,  I  was  tinking— but  p'r'aps  Massa  no  like 
what  old  nigger  was  t'inking  about. 

Hendrick — Oh !  yes — out  with  it. 

Scip— Well,  Massa,  I  was  tinking  wedder  Massa  "  Spirit " 

any  relation  to  de  debiL 


r  f 


I'M 


230 


A  PEEP  OVER  THE  BLUE  RIDGE 

_1?"     What  do  you 


Hendrick— "  Relation  to  the  d- 

""' SciP-Why,  mv  old  woman-old  Dinah-say  as  how  all 
de  spirits  is  relations,  iis  like  brack  folks.  Now,  if  dis  gem- 
men  as  comes  here  is  real  Spirit,  den,  in  course,  he  s  rela- 

tion  to  de  old  Sarpent. 

HENDRICK-Ha!  ha!  ha!  that  is  a  question  too  deep  tor 

„,e  to  solve,  Scipio ;  but  in  with  you,  and  tell  Dinah  to  get 

mv  supper.    {Exit  Hendrick) 

Scmo-(Slowly  moving  around  to  the  kitchen  door,  m  a  re- 
flective «,ood)-nt  drives  like  de  debil,  anyhow,    and  he 

£ht  good  udge  of  horse-flesh,  too.  GoUyldem  brack 
le!ders-how  dey  shine!  dere  nostrils  was  l.ke  burn.ng 
coals,  wid  smoke  blowing  out  of  'em.  (stopping  and  scra,ch^ng 
his  head:,  dat  nigh  bay  on  de  pole,  do',  he  was </.  beauty; 
h^-swhidis  child  call-zactly  right."  What  a  ma^h  he 
make  for  our  Charley  ;  dis  brack  man  >»-*  ^ave  de  fehc  ty 
to  curry  dat  horse.  I  tell  Massa  Hendr,ck  da  de  Major 
gitting  weak  in  de  knees,  and  we  mus'  hab  h>m  for  a  match. 

Dat's  it— 1—  .   . 

HENDRicK-Cw/MmO-SciFO-Scipio.  ^ 

SciPio-Golly  !  yes,  Massa-coming,  sir-commg.    [Exit 
Scipio) 


THE   DEAD  MAN'S   SERMON; 

OR,    BILL    BAXTER   THE  COXSWAIN'S   YARN. 
An  Authentic  Incident  on  Board  the  United  States  Frigate  President  in  the  Year  i8«. 


"THE  OLD  WAGON." 

IT  was  on  a  delicious  afternoon  in  the  month  of  July  that, 
after  making  a  tour  of  its  circuit,  1  drew  up  my  horse  on 
the  highest  ridge  of  Staten  Island  to  take  a  survey  of 
the  noble  picture  that  lay  on  all  sides  extended  around  me. 
The  sun  had  so  far  declined  in  his  course  as  to  throw  the 
softest  lights  and  richest  shadows  on  the  surrounding  scen- 
ery ;  and  the  rolling  and  undulating  hills,  covered  with  a 
carpet  of  verdure  of  the  hue  of  emerald,  glittered  with  the 
snow-white  cottages  and  villas  scattered  upon  their  surface. 
On  my  right  the  ocean  stretched  in  majesty,  his  broad  ex- 
panse a  rising  hill  of  waters,  till  reaching  the  blue  of  the 
horizon  it  mingled  into  one,  the  gallant  ships  swanlike  float- 
ing on  his  bosom. 


'si!. 


1    i  '  I 
1'     'm 


■;i 


?  r 

I    I 
I     i 


1  ■ 


:   ill': 


232 


THE  DEAD  MAN'S  SERMON 


I    I 


\m 


5  ■ill 


The  fortifications  on  the  Long  Island  shore  slumbered  in 
grim  repose,  the  flags  hanging  supinely  from   their  staffs 
above  the  ramparts,  and  the  green  fields  and  harvest-npened 
farms  smiled  in  beauty  as  they  stretched  onward  to  the  cuy  of 
Brooklyn,  whose  mansions,  resting  on  her  terraced  Heights, 
were  throwing  back  from  all  their  casements  the  rays  of  the 
declining  sun  in  quivering  sheets  of  gold.     New  York,  ris- 
ing from  its  bed  of  waters,  appeared  a  fairy  city  springing 
from  the  deep ;  while  the  lordly  Hudson,  escorted  by  the 
Palisades,  coursed  gallantly  on  his  northern  journey.     On 
the  left  the  plains  of  New  Jersey  rested  in  sleepy  stillness, 
guarded  by  their  undulating  mountains  ;  while  on  the  west 
one  great  sea  of  forest  verdure  extended  to  the  horizon  ;  the 
Raritan,  like  a  band  of  silver,  glittering  in  its  breaks  and  in- 
tervals  as  it  wended  its  circuitous  and  serpentlike  course. 

Taking  the  panorama  for  all  in  all,  it  was  the  most  cap- 
tivating  and  beautiful  creation  that  He  who  is  the  fountain 
of  all  goodness  and  benevolence  has  permitted  me  to  gaze 
upon.     At  my  feet  the  cheerful  snow-white  buildings  of  the 
Quarantine  were  throwing  long  shadows  across  their  veid- 
ant  lawns  (a  paradise  to  the  poor  sick  mariner  released  from 
the  darkness  and  confinement  of  his  weary  lair  in  the  dank 
and  dirty  forecastle) ;  and  anchored  on  the  water  were  ves- 
sels  of  all  flags  and  burthens,  from   the  light   Bermudean 
shallop,  with  its  oranges  and  pines,  to  the  proud  and  richly 
laden  Indiaman  ;  but  high  above  all,  and  moored  at  aristo- 
cratic distance  from  the  rest,  towered  a  dark  and  lofty  ship, 
that  perfection  of  naval  architecture,  a  frigate  of  the  largest 
class,  whose  stars  and  stripes,  languidly  floating  at  the  gaff, 
proclaimed  her  nation. 

I  sat  for  some  time  absorbed  in  delight,  the  silence  un- 


.  .  .    ;i  t 
'•■i   ! 


THE  DEAD  MAN'S  SERMON 


233 


silence  un- 


broken save  by  the  occasional  snort  and  pawing  of  my  steed, 
who  I  doubt  not  likewise  enjoyed  the  scene,  till  the  great 
orb  of  molten  gold  in  the  western  horizon,  o'erhung  and 
draped  with  a  gorgeous  canopy  of  clouds,  slowly  descend- 
ing, warned  me  that  Night's  sable  ministers  were  near,  and 
that  I  must  cease  to  linger.     Putting  spurs  to  my  horse  (a 
figurative  expression,  for  my  bonny  bay  required  no  such 
argument),  I  was  soon  at  the  landing.  Dismounting,  1  threw 
the  reins  across  the  saddle  and  prepared  with  all  due  phil- 
osophy, as  the  steamer  had  just  left,  to  wait  her  return  to 
take  me  again  to  the  city.     I  had  the  prospect  of   waiting 
for  some  time ;  so,  lighting  my  cigar-thanks  to   Pandora 
that  she  left  us  that  blessing!— I  slowly  sauntered  down  the 
pier  and,  leaning  against  a  spile,  puffed  away  in  silent  con- 

templation. 

In  the  far  distance  the  revolving  beacons  at  Sandy  Hook 
at  measured  intervals  threw  forth  their  warning  fires  like 
angel-guides  to  the  home-bound  mariner,  and  the  "Yo! 
heave-o!"  from  the  shipping,  rendered  soft  and  flute-like  by 
the  distance,  floated   gently   and  sweetly   on  the  summer 

atmosphere. 

While  I  thus  stood  absorbed,  a  slight  jar  against  the  pier 
aroused  me,  and  looking  over  I  saw  a  man-of-war's  barge 
lying  alongside,  the  sailors,  some  asleep  upon  the  thwarts 
and  others  lolling  in  various  attitudes,  as  dictated  by  con- 
venience or  caprice  ;  while  just  beyond,  partly  concealed  by 
a  pile  of  wood,  were  two  of  her  crew,  seated  on  the  pier, 
whom  I  had  not  before  observed.    Although  the  twilight 
was  rapidlv  thickening  I  could  see  that  one  was  old  and 
weather-beaten,  his  locks  grizzled  by  the  hand  of  Time  and 
his  countenance  channeled  and  scarred  into  the  stern  ex- 


It 


ft 

iV 


n  ' ! 


II 


„! 


■>Trl^ 


4i. 


-rC 


234 


THE  DEAD  MAN'S  SERMON 


pression  which  long  conflict  with  storm  and  tempest  always 
leaves  behind  ;  while  the  other,  with  large  whiskers  encir- 
cling  a   handsome,  dare-devil  face,  was  much  his  junior. 
They  were  both  dressed  in  man-of-war  rig— white  trousers 
and  blue  jackets,  the  collars,  worked  with  a  foul  anchor, 
turned  over  their  shoulders,  exposing  their  bronzed  chests 
and  throats,  while  around  the  broad  ribbon  on  their  jaunty 
sennet  hats  was  inscribed  the  name  of  their  frigate,  "  The 
United  States."    Seeing  the  name,  I  involuntarily  exclaimed 
aloud :  "  There,  then,  is  the  '  Old  Wagon  ! '  "  the  sobriquet 
by  which  the  ship  is  known  in  the  navy.     On  hearing  my 
voice  the  men  turned  for  a  moment,  but  perceiving  that  I 
did  not  address  them  they  again  turned  and  paid  no  further 

attention  to  me. 

After  some  moments  the  younger  of  the  two  broke  the 

silence  by  saying : 

"  What  water  does  they  carry  out  over  the  bar  of  this 

here  port,  Baxter  ?  " 

Ruminating  on  his  quid  with  true  nautical  deliberation, 
the  elder,  after  a  pause,  slowly  replied  :  "  By  the  old  channel 
half  less  four ;  at  slack  water  four  fathom  ;  by  this  here  new 
channel  as  Lieutenant  Gedney  has  found  five  fathom  at  full 
tide  and  four  fathom  at  low  water;  at  the  neap  maybe  half 

less  six." 

A  pause  ensued,  when  the  younger  again  spoke :  "  I've 
hear'n  say  that  they  can  take  a  line-of-battle  ship,  guns,  water 
and  all,  out  by  this  here  new  channel  at  any  time  o'  tide." 

"  So  they  say,"  said  the  old  man;  "and  it  would  have 
been  well  if  one  of  the  ships  as  has  carried  the  stars  and 
stripes  in  times  gone  by  had  known  that  ere  channel    There 


THE  DEAD  MAN'S  SERMON 


235 


is  one  sea-faring  man  not  fur  from  here  as  would  have  been 
saved  thereby  from  an  English  prison." 

"  And  who  is  that?  "  asked  the  younger  sailor. 
"  It  is  a  man  as  hangs  his  hammock  on  board  that  'ere 
frigate  riding  at  anchor  yonder,  and  is  coxswain  of  the  first 
cutter  lying  alongside  this  here  pier ;  the  man  as  is  talkmg 
with  you  ;  launched  into  the  world  by  the  old  folks  with  the 
name  of  William  Baxter  on  his  starn." 

««  Better  known  forward  and  on  the  gun-deck,"  retorted 
the  other,  "  by  the  name  of  Grumbling  Bill." 

u  Ay,  ay-very  like,"  said  the  other.  "  A  gray  head  has 
no  more'  respect  shown  to  it  nowadays,  nor  half  as  much,  as 
an  unshaved  boy.    Times  isn't  as  they  used  to  was." 

Saying  this,  he  slowly  rose,  and  taking  a  short  stump  pipe 
from  his  pocket  deliberately  filled  it  with  tobacco,  and  ad- 
vancing  toward  me,  touching  his  hat,  asked  whether  he 
mought  be  so  bold  as  to  ask  for  a  light. 

-  Certainly,"  said  I ;  •*  but  I  have  another  cigar  here ;  let 

me  give  you  that." 

-  No,  no,  sir ;  many  thanks,  many  thanks,"  replied  the 
veteran.'  "  I  hopes  I've  been  long  enough  in  the  sarvice  to 
know  my  place.  Pipes  for  the  f o'castle,  cigars  for  the  cabm  ; 
pipes  for  the  men,  cigars  for  the  officers.  I  likes  every  man 
to  know  his  station  ;  I've  been  aboard  ship  long  enough  to 

larn  the  valu'  of  disci-//^«^." 

Somewhat  amused  at  the  old  man's  notions  of  propriety, 
I  remarked  :  ''  It  would  be  well  if  we  had  a  little  more  of  it 

on  shore  here." 

-  You  may  well  say  that,"  said  he.  "  Things  is  getting 
to  a  pretty  pass  here ;  there's  no  respect  into  the  times,  sir 
I'm  hard  aboard  o'  seventy  year,  and  can  see  at  the  end  ot 


i   |i 


i '   ^ 


t      I  it 


!* 


1  iihl 


M^ 


Hi  t* 


♦  If-' 

1  ''I 

1  I'l 


I't. 


236 


THE  DEAD  MAN'S  SERMON 


every  cruise  that  the  people  is  more  saarcy  and  houdacious 
than  they  was  before.     Every  man  'long  shore  here  is  master 
and  no  man  mate.     D'ye  see,  sir,  I  think  the  only  place  for 
a  decent  man  nowadays  is  aboard  ship,  where  he'll  see  the 
valu'  oi  disci.pline.     There  every  man  has  to  toe  the  mark. 
If  he  does  his  duty  he  knows  he  desarves  well  of  his  coun- 
try, and  gets  the  good  will  of  his  officers ;  if  he  don't,  he's 
triced  up  and  gets  the  cat  till  he  larns.     I   should  like   to 
know,  sir,  now,  what  would  become  of  the  sarvice  without 
d\sc\-pline.     There's  the  '  Old  Wagon  '  yonder.     I've  known 
the  Old  Man*  come  on  deck  at  midnight  and  order  the  offi- 
cer of  the  deck  to  beat  to  quarters ;  every  man  asleep  in  his 
hammock  save  the  watch,  and  in  five  minutes  from  the  first 
tap  of  the  drum  the  crew  have  been  at  quarters,  guns  loose, 
stanchions  knocked  away,  magazines  opened ;  and  in  eight, 
hammocks  stowed,  decks  sanded,  the  ship  ready  for  action, 
and  a  gun  fired  from  each  division ;  every  man  at  his  post, 
from  the  powder-monkey  with  his  leathern  cartridge-bucket 
at  the  magazine  hatch  to  the  surgeon  with  his  knife  and 
tourniquets  in  the  cock-pit.     That's   what  I  call  disci-/^W. 
What  would  become  of  that  'ere  ship,  I  say,  sir,  if  she  was  in 
the  hands  of  land-lubbers?    These  here  same  shore  people 
is  mighty  brave,  sir,  when  there's  no  danger,  and  always 
ready  to  cry  out  for  war  ;  and  d'ye  see,  I  think  there's  noth- 
ing  that  will  bring  them  to  their  senses  but  the  d— d  good 
licking  they'll  get  when  it  comes  ;  a  parcel  {puff)  of  brag- 
ging {puff)  fools,  always  ready  to  get  up  a  muss  (/«#),  and 
then  leave  the  steady  men  to  get  them  out  of  it."     {Puff- 
puff— puff-) 

*  The  Captain  is  always  called  by  the  sailors  "  the  Old  Man." 


THE  DEAD  MAN'S  SERMON 


237 


"  You  appear  very  familiar  with  this  port,"  said  I ;  "you 
were  just  giving  the  water  on  the  bar." 

"  Ay,  sir,"  he  replied  ;  "  the  water  on  that  'ere  bar  I  shall 
have  cause  to  remember  the  longest  day  I  have  to  live. 
'Cause  why  ? — that  and  another  carcumstance  as  is  not  to  be 
mentioned  caused  me  to  be  made  prisoner  to  a  British  fleet 

last  war." 

"Indeed!"   said    I.      "You   were,   then,   engaged    last 

war  ? 

"  You  may  say  that,  sir,"  said  he,  "  and  tell  no  lie,  if  some 
half  a  dozen  actions  and  as  many  wounds  may  be  called  be- 
ing engaged.     I   was  in  the  United  States  frigate  '  Presi- 
dent,' Commodore  Stephen  Decatur,  when  she  struck  on 
that  'ere  bar,  last  war,  and  knocked   her  cutwater  athwart- 
ships,  thereby  causing  one  of  the  fastest  ships  in  the  sarvice 
to  sail  but  little  better  nor  a  Dutch  Logger;  and  the  '  Main- 
mast of  the  American  Navy,'*  as  we  called  him,  to  strike  his 
flag  to  a  British  fleet.     Howsomever,  if  there  had  been  fifty 
feet  of  water  on  that  bar  'twould  have  been  all  the  same.    A 
carcumstance  turned  up  in  her  cruise  before  as  took  the  luck 
out  of  her  and  rendered  her  an  onsafe  craft,  in  my  judgment, 
to  go  to  sea  in  in  time  of  war.    When  a  dead  man  comes  to 
Ufe,  a'ter  he's  been  dead  three  hours,  and  preaches  a  sarmint 
and  calls  for  a  drink,  'tain't  a  thing  as  befalls  a  craft  for  noth- 
ing.    No,  no;  a  dead  man  don't  come  back  into  this  here 
world  for  nothing,  that's  sartain."     And  he  puffed  away  with 

redoubled  energy. 

"Did  such  a  thing  occur  on  board  the  'President?'" 

said  I.     "  I  never  heard  of  it." 

"  Ay,  sir,  very  like,"  replied  he.     "  You  could  have  been 
*  The  sobriquet  given  to  Decatur  by  the  seamen. 


1  I 

ti 


'     I 


Mj 


238 


THE  DEAD  MAN'S  SERMON 


:!■  ■Ill 


but  a  child  then,  and  the  thing  was  hushed  up;  but  'twan't 
no  use.  I  say  it  caused  Commodore  Stephen  Decatur  to 
strike  his  flag  to  a  British  fleet." 

-  Why,  Baxter,"  said  the  younger  sailor,  -  I  have  hear  n 
say  she  was  took  by  the  '  Endymion.'  " 

«' '  Endymion '  be  d-d  ! "  growled  the  old  sailor.       John 
Bull  would  have  to  keep  a  double  gang  of  ship  carpenters 
if  that  'ere  was  the  way  he  conquered  his  inimy.     The    En- 
dvmion  '  got  her  saarce,  and  that  hot  enough,  too,  before  the 
rest  of  the  Britiph  fleet  come  up.    Took  by  the  '  Endymion  ! 
D-n  their  impudence !    They  are  so  used  to  beating  the 
French  (as  are  not  by  nature  a  sea-faring  people,  but  good 
enough  for  them  on  the  land  any  day),  and  lying  about  it 
a'terwards,  that  I  shouldn't  wonder  next  if  they  said  the 
.  President '  didn't  make  no  fight  at  all,  and  that  the  skipper 
went  aboard  in  his  gig  to  ask  them  to  take  possession.    Took 
by  the  '  Endymion ! '     Why,  we  whipped  her  before  the  res 
of  the  fleet  came  within  gun-shot.     Her  rigging,  spars  and 
sails  was  cut  to  pieces,  and  she  drifted  a  complete   wrack, 
firing  guns  only  at  long  intervals  ;  and  we  could  have  taken 
possession  of  her,  but,  bating  the  honor  of  the   thmg,  it 
wouldn't  have  been  no  use,  for,  our  firing  having  deadened 
the  wind,  the  rest  of  the  squadron,  the  '  Majestic,' '  Pomone 
and  '  Tenedos,'  came  up   hand   over  hand,  choosing  their 
positions  on  our  quarters  and  pitching  their  old  iron  into  us 
by  the  ton.    So  the  commander  hadn't  nothing  more  to  do. 
to  save  the  spiUin'  of  blood,  but  to  surrender.    Took  by  the 
.  Endymion  ! '     Why,  when  we  had  to  yaw,  to  avoid  the  fire 
of  the  chase,  she  could  have  raked  us  a  dozen  t^mes;  but 
d-n  the  shot  did  she  fire !     We'd  'ave  whipped  her  with 
one  watch  and  sarved  out  the  rest  if  they  had  come  on  one 


THE  DEAD  MAN'S  SERMON 


239 


at  a  time.  The  *  President's  '  men  was  grit  ;*  and  as  for 
Commodore  Stephen  Decatur,  there  was  no  more  dodge 
about  him  than  there  was  about  the  mainmast.  But,  as  I 
was  saying,  it  wasn't  no  use  ;  the  luck  was  out  of  the  ship, 
and  she  had  to  strike." 

"  But  what  was  the  circumstance  you  allude  to  ?  "  said  I. 
"  You  spoke  of  a  dead  man's  coming  to  life." 

"  Well,  sir,"  said  he,  slowly  knocking  the  ashes  from  his 
pipe  and  carefully  replacing  it  in  his  pocket,  looking  fur- 
tively about  him  at  the  same  time  and  speaking  low,  "  this 
here  ain't  the  place  nor  the  time  of  night  I  likes  to  speak  of 
such  things;    'cause  why?    Jim   Austin's    sperit  may   be 
haunting  here  away  now,  for  aught  I  know,  as  he   hailed 
from  this  here  city  of  New  York     But  the  carcumstance  as 
I  have  mentioned  occurred  on  board  of  her  in  her  last  cruise 
under   Commodore   Rodgers ;  it  was  in  that  very   cruise. 
D'ye  see,  sir,  we  had  been  out  a  long  time,  and  scoured  the 
Atlantic  and  Nor'  Sea  from  one  end  to  the  other ;  but  some- 
how, and  it  wasn't  the  fault  of  the  old  commodore,  neither, 
we  hadn't  the  luck  to  fall  in  with  the  inimy,  and  had  naither 
a  chance  for  fighting  nor  for  prize-money  ;  but  as  the  cruise 
was  nigh  up  we  was  on  our  way  home,  feeling  mighty  small 
to  be  sneaking  into  port  without  having  fired  a  shot  in  anger 
nor  burnt  powder  save  in  scaling  the  guns,  when  the  car- 
cumstance  occurred.     D'ye  see,  sir,  there   was  a   man   on 
board  of  the  ship  from  this  same  place;  New  York,  by  the 
name  of  James  Austin,  captain  of  the  mizzen-top— a  good 
seaman  but  a  bad  man,  and  when  he  had  his  grog  aboard  as 
profane  and  blasphemous  a  wretch  as  ever  stepped  foot  on 
a  tarred  plank,  but  nevertheless  a  right  bold  and  daring  fel- 

*  A  favorite  expression  of  Decatur's  when  praising  his  officers. 


1 1» 
'  til 


I  * 


240 


THE  DEAD  MAN'S  SERMON 


low  Well,  Sir,  somehow  he  gets  this  here  consumption, 
and  bleeds  every  day  more  or  less  from  the  lungs,  and  gets 
weaker  and  weaker,  till  the  doctor  claps  him  on  the  sick- 

list 

-  So  he  gets  worse  and  worse  every  day,  till  the  doctor 

he  condemns  him  as  unseawarthy  and  turns  him  over  to  the 
chaplain  so  that  he  mought  patch  him  up  for  his  last  cruise. 
The  o-ood  man  did  the  best  he  could,  but  d-l  a  bit  could  he 
mike^ut  of  Jim  ;  for  while  he  was  talking  to  him  Jim  would 
cJrse  the  loblolly  boys  about  him  in  the  sick-bay  the  same 
-IS  if  he  hadn't  his  clearance  papers  all  made  out  for  the  great 
ocean  of  etarnity.    The   chaplain   told   the   first   lieutenant 
(when  he  was  in  the  bay  one  day  to  see  that  all  the  sick  was 
comfortably  taken  care  of),  shaking  his  head  and  looking 
sorrowfully  at  Jim,  says  he,  '  He  fears  death,  sir,  no  more 
nor  a  drunken  sleep,  and  is  desperately  mortal.'     He  made 
a  kind  of  merit  of  being  houdacious  and  hardened.     As  he 
was  growing  weaker  and  weaker,  and  almost  suffocated  by 
his  cough,  the  doctor  orders  him,  as  it  was  hot  and  confined 
in  the  sick-bay,  to  be  slung  up  in  his  hammock  near  the 
main-deck  ports,  so  that  he  mought  have  the  air;  and  there 
he  was,  off  and  on,  for  two  or  three  weeks,  sinking  day  by 
day  •  but  the  oath  was  always  uppermost  with  him,  and 
though  his  anchor  was  all  ready  to  let  go  into  the   quick- 
sands  of  death  he  was  just  as  wicked  and  profane  in  his  whis- 
per as  he  used  to  be'when  he  answered  the  hail  of  the  officer 
of  the  deck,  in  the  voice  of  a  bull,  from  the  mizzen-top. 

"Well,  sir,  one  morning  airly  a  sail  hove  in  sight,  and  we 
soon  made  her  out  from  the  masthead  to  be  a  man-of-war, 
and  before  long  from  the  decks,  a  heavy,  double-banked  frig- 
ate  with  two  reg'lar  rows  of  teeth,     ill  tell  you  what,  sir. 


THE  DEAD  MAN'S  SERMOiV 


241 


every  man's  eyes  brightened  up  on  board  of  that  'ere  ship, 
from  the  niggers  at  the  coppers  to  the  commodore  in  his 
cabin.     The  drum  beat  to  quarters  and  the  ship  was  made 
ready  for  action ;  and  great  glee  was  there  among  the  men, 
and  congratulations — I  say,  Bill  Blunt,  ain't  that  'ere  the 
word   the   officers   uses  ? — and   congratulations  among   the 
officers  that  we  shouldn't  be  obliged  to  sneak  into  port  with- 
out having  fired  a  shot.     In  course,  Jim's  hammock,  with  all 
the  other  lumber,  was  stowed  away,  and  Jim  placed  out  of 
harm's  way  with  the  rest  of  the  sick.     Says  the  surgeon  to 
him,  says  he,  '  My  man,  if  we  go  into  action,  I  charge  you 
(for  Jim  was  always  ready  for  fight),  1  charge  you  not  to 
leave  your  cot,  for  any  exertion  that  you  may  make  will 
start  your  lungs ;  your  life  will  not  be  worth  ten  minutes' 
purchase  ;  you'll  bleed  to  death  on  the  spot.'    Jim  said  noth- 
ing, but  his  eyes  brightened  and  a  faint  smile  played  across 
his  pale  lips;  so  the  surgeon  telled  the  lieutenant  a'terwards. 
We  clapt  on  all  sail  in  chase,  and  so  did  the  strange  ship  ; 
but  the  '  President  *  then  being  in  luck,  the  carcumstance  at 
that  time  not  having  occurred,  gradually  overhauled  her, 
and  getting  near  enough  sent  a  couple  of  shot  across  her 
forefoot  to  make  her  tell  her  name.     Shiver  my  timbers  if  I 
ever  seen  so  many  long  faces  aboard  a  Yankee  frigate  as 
showed  themselves  of  a  sudden  as  the  French  flag  run  up 
and  floated  in  the  wind  from  her  gaff.     *  Stop  my  grog  ! ' 
growled  old  Albro,  the  surly  boatswain ;  (and  Albro  wasn't 
a  man  as  stuck  at  breaking  the   third   commandment,  for 
every  other  word  was  with  him  an  oath ;  but  he  never  used 
that  oath  'cept  when  he  was  excited)  '  May  my  grog  be  etar- 
nally  stopped  I '  growled  he  between  his  clenched  teeth,  *  if 
it  ain't  a  d — d  Johnny  Crapo  after  all!     D — n   me,  if  I  was 


t  ! 


!i 


^  jfjE  DEAD  MAN'S  SERMON 

the  Skipper  if  I  wouldn't  make  the  Mounseer  make  a  fight 
of  it  or  co-arce  him  to  send  aboard  a  couple  of  butts  of  old 
cog-ni-ac  to  pay  for  the  deception.' 

"  So  all  hopes  of  a  fight  and  prize  money  having  vanished 
like  scud  before  a  Nor'wester,  we  had  nothing  to  do  but  se- 
cure  the  guns  ag'in  and  make  the  best  of  a  bad  bargain  But 
as  for  Jim  Austin,  what  does  he  do  but-at  the  report  of  the 
first  gun  that  was  fired-what  does  he  do  but  come  crawl- 
ing up,  and,  as  the  surgeon  telled  him,  hardly  reaches  his 
gun  before  he  falls,  the  blood  gushes  from  his  mouth  and 
nostrils,  and  they  takes  him  below,  bleeding  to  death. 

-  Well  all  was  made  snug  ag'in,  and  the  men   got  their 
breakfast,' and  the  French  ship  and  Jim's  case  was  nigh  on 
forgotten,  when,  as  the  commodore  and  first  lieutenant  was 
walking  up  and  down  the  quarter-deck,  one  of  the  surgeon  s 
mates  comes  up,  touches  his  hat  to  the  lieutenant  and  says 
'  I  report  James  Austin,  sir,  captain  of  the  mizzen-top,  aged 
forty-two  years,  dead  of  consumption  at  four  bells.'     '  \  ery 
well,'  says  the  lieutenant ;   '  make  it  so;  let  the  purser  square 
his  accounts,  and  have  him  ready  for  burial  an  hour  before 
sun-down  this  evening.'     Now  there,  sir,  you  see  the  valu 
of  disci-//.W;  a  man  ain't  allowed  to  be  dead,  nor  the  hour 
struck,  till  the  officer  of  the  watch  says,  '  Make  it  so:     Well, 
sir,  the  day  wore  on ;  the  men  had  got  their  dinners,  and  the 
officer  of  the  watch  was  leaning  ag'in'  the  capstan,  with  his 
trumpet  under  his  arm,  when  the  surgeon  comes  up  and  says 
in  a  low  voice,  '  There's  something  very  queer  going  on  be- 
low   sir.    That  man  Austin,  that  was  reported  dead  this 
morning,  has  come  to  life  ag'in,  and  is  sitting  bolt  upright  in 
bis  hammock,  addressing  the  men,  who  are  crowding  around 
him,  and  in  language  and  terms  so  different  from  what  was 


THE  DEAD  MAN'S  SEA'MOAT 


243 


usual  with  him  that  I  can  hardly  believe  it's  the  same  man.' 
'  I'll  go  below  with  you,'  said  the  lieutenant,  *  and  see  into 
the  matter.  He  may  do  mischief  among  the  crew  with  his 
nonsense.'  So  they  went  below  and  made  their  way  for'ard 
to  the  sick-bay,  which  was  surrounded  by  the  men.  crowd- 
ing around  and  reaching  over  each  others'  shoulders  ;  and 
there,  as  the  surgeon  said,  sat  the  dead  man,  as  white  and 
cold  and  stiff  as  a  marble  statute,  preaching  a  sarmint  to  the 
men.  It  warn't  long  before  it  came  to  the  commodore's 
ears  that  there  was  something  unusual  going  on  below,  and 
he  was  about  to  send  to  inquire  into  the  matter,  when  the 
surgeon  himself  comes  up  and  says,  *  Commodore,  Austin 
has  sent  for  j'ou;  he  says  he  has  one  word  ior  you: 

'« '  Pish  !'  says  the  commodore,  as  was  his  way  when  he 
was  vexed  ;  '  what  does  the  man  want  with  me? '  '  He  says 
he  has  come  from  the  dead,  and  has  a  message  for  you,  com- 
modore,  and  begs  that  you  will  indulge  him  for  the  moment 
that  he  has  to  remain.'  '  Well,'  said  the  commodore,  '  I  will 
go,  lest  he  should  work  nonsense  among  the  men,  and  turn 
my  gun-deck  into  a  Quaker  meeting.' 

"  So  he  goes  down  to  the  sick-bay  (and  it  was  a  great  con- 
descension for  the  commodore  to  go  down  at  the  call  of  a 
foremast  man,  dead  or  alire),  and  there  sits  Austin,  bolt  up- 
right in  his  hammock,  white  as  death,  the  surgeons  each  side 
of  him,  one  holding  his  wrist  and  the  other  with  his  hand  on 
his  heart;  and  they  said  there  was  no  more  pulse  in  his  wrist 
than  there  was  in  a  marlinspike,  and  that  his  heart  was  as 
still  as  a  pirate's  conscience.  '  Commodore,'  says  Austin, 
and  there  wasn't  a  muscle  of  his  face  moved  save  his  lips ; 
'commodore,  a  few  hours  ago  and  I  trembled  at  your  frown, 
but  now  I  do  not  fear  you,  for  I'm  come  from  the  dead  to 


1 

1 

1. 

i 

I!     4 


I      t 
I      ;  i 


i 


wm 


THE  DEAD  MAN'S  SERMON 

warn  you  and  this  ship's  company  to  mend  your  ways  and 
Take  care  of  your  immortal  souls  ■,•  and  he  then  went  on  for 
„th">  half  an  hour,  and  gin  a  sarmint,  which  the  chaplam 
si  "beauty  of  diction  and  elewation  of  sent.men  was 
equal   0  that  Jf  any  divine  he  had  ever  heerd,  and  the  lang^ 

uage     that    of    a    fine    and    --»P'-"f .  f  °'="-',     "! 

told  them  it  was  their  duty  to  stand  by  the.r  flag,  and  fignt 
"defence  of  their  country  (which  pleased  the  commodore; 

"ausewhy?  he  was  afear'd  he'd  cow  the  men)  and  a   the 

eend  hlwarned  them  all  to  be  ready  to  follow  h.m;  for 
ays  he,  .ship-mates.  I  am  but  a  little  way  ahead  o  you  and 
n,  ,st  all  soon  follow.  And  now.'  says  he, '  I  m  done ; 
LTarands  fin-shed  ;•  and  he  sunk  back  cold  and  stiff  into 
Tilhlmock.  Well,  the  men  disparsed  and  went  to  th. 
dutv  •  but  there  was  many  of  them  as  d.dn  t  feel  easy 
,w  ni^ht  and  they  was  collected  in  knots,  talkmg  it  over 

0  ITa  dTtteen'theguns;  and  some  of  the  hardest  men 
aboard  "e  ship  looked  sober,  and  allowed  themselves  to  be 
Iconc  rted  about  the  matter.     Even  old  Albro  ciapt  a  be- 

1  y  on  hie.  tongue,  and  stopped  swearing  for  hard  on  two 
hours  which  is  more  than  could  be  said  of  him  before  or 
'rnce   'lept  once't  a'terwards,  in  that  same  sh.p,  when  a 
musket-shot  from  the  Tenedos  went  into  his  mouth,  just  as 
Te  wa   launching  an  oath  at  a  marine  as  was  in  h.s  way.  an 
carried  half  his  grinders  through  the  opposite  ,aw.     But, 
dWe  see   Austin  wasn't  done  yet;  for  about  half  an  hour 
a(  er       't.  he  rises  ag'in  in  his  hammock  and  says  to  t  e  sur 
Ion's  mate  as  was  looking  at  him,  '  G.ve  me  a  dnnk!      bo 
fhe  surgeon  gives  him  a  tin  cup  of  water.    Jim  takes  a  drmk, 
',  res  around  him  .or  the  space  of  a  minute,  a,«J  then,  star 


THE  DEAD  MAN'S  SERMON 


245 


third  time,  stock  dead,  into  his  hammock.  I'll  tell  you,  sir, 
there  was  one  man  aboard  as  would  have  been  glad  to  have 
been  out  of  that  'ere  craft,  and  his  name  was  William  Bax- 
ter. I  happened  to  be  near  the  commodore  as  he  and  the 
surgeon  was  talking  in  a  low  tone  together  in  the  evening, 
while  I  was  sweeping  the  weather  quarter  with  my  glass, 
and  I  listened,  and  I  hear'n  the  surgeon  say  : 

"*  Yes,  sir;  I  have  seen  cases,  soiething  like  this,  that 
we  call  in  the  books  catalepsy;  but  I  never  heard  of  one 
speaking  in  that  state.' 

"That  was  enough  for  w^.     The  smallest  boy  on   board 
ship  knows  that  a  cat  is  ill  luck  on  board  any  craft.     Well, 
sir,  Jim  was  at  last  dead,  in  airnest,  and  sewed  up  in   his 
hammock,  with  a  thirty-two  pound  shot  tied  to  his  heels ; 
and  the  commodore's  orders  was  that  he  should  be  buried 
next  day  at  seven  bells.     Did  ye  ever  see  a  burial  at  sea,  sir  ? 
If  not,  to  my  mind  you  never  seen  the  right  way  to  return 
the  Almighty  what  is  left  of  one  of  His  creeturs  after  his 
cruise  in  this  world  is  up  and  his  dQS-tined  sarvice  ended. 
I've  seen  shore  folks  bury  their  fellow-creeturs ;  but,  like 
everything  as  landsmen  does,  it's  onhandsome  and  not  ship- 
shape.    It's  only  a  few  days  aback  that  me  and  Bill  Blunt, 
this  man  as  sits  here  on  the  log,  alongside  o'  me,  was  ashore 
on  liberty,  and  overhauled  one  o'  their  funerals,  as  they  call 
them,  under  way  to  carry  some  poor  feller  to  his  last  moor- 
ing-ground.     There  was  a  horse  towing  a  wagon  covered 
with  a  tarpaulin,  for  all  the  world  like  our  powder-barge, 
'cept  it  hadn't  the  red  flag  on  it ;  for,  d'ye  see,  sir,  when  we 
brings  powder  aboard  we  always  hoists  a  red  flag,  as  a  cau- 
tion, on  the  barge,  and  afore  we  comes  alongside,  the  boats- 
wain pipes,  '  All  hands,  ahoy  !     Put  out  the  fires  in  the  gal- 


1 


»i 


.!i 


I  '         ! 
it         ' 


i\\ 


iii 


(^  THE  DEAD  MAN'S  SERMON 

'  out '  by  the  officer.  ,  , 

•       4^u;c  Vipre  craft  was  towed  by  a 
"  But,  as  I  was  saying,  this  here  crait 

white  horse,  and  in  its  wake  followed  a  long  fleet  of  coaches 
Id  other  conweyances.     In  the  first  two  or  three  of  them, 
to  be  sure,  there  was  passengers  as  had  their  pumps  a-gon,g, 
nd  was  swabbing  up  the  water  with  white  handkerchers^ 
but  in  all  the  rest  the  people  was  laugh.n  ,  -d  t^^km    and 
looking  out  of  the  ports,  as  onconcarned  as  .f  they  was  fo 
lowing  a  brute  beast  to  his  grave,  instead  of  "ne  of  the 
kind      I  r,ay,  sir,  the  sight  was  onpleasant  to  me ;  and  I  say 
rill  Blul;,  says  I, .  Bin,  look  how  mtle  these  here  .bo^ 
folks  cares  for  their  ship-mates;    but  B.U  was  '^  -  J^ 
hauled  in  the  wind,  and  h.  only  hiccups,  and,  pulbng  oft  h.s 
h  t  bows  to  the  procession,  and  'Wishes  their  worsh.ps  a 
ptsant  journey.'     Bill  was  hard  up,  and  I  seen  U  wasn  t 
use  to  talk  to  him  •.  so  1  takes  off  my  hat  and  stands  by  and 
looks,  while  he  steadies  himself  ag'in'  the  lamp-post  •,  and  I  m 
free  to  say  that  them  lamp-posts  is  a  great  conven.ence  to 
sea-faring  men  when  they  has  their  g™g;'^»f  ^/j^ 
know'd  by  my  own  experience  in  a  squall.    But,  as  I  was 
laying,  we  steadies  ourselves  by  the  post,  w.th  our  hats  , , 
our  hands,  till  the  procession  gets  by  ;  but  .t  gm  me  a  c^  - 
like  to  all  shore  burials ;  and  all  I  ask  >s  that  when  B  11  Bax- 
te^s  time  comes  he  may  be  launched  off  soundmgs  u,  blue 

"'THowsomdever,  at  seven  bells  the  bo'swain's  whistle  was 
heerd,  and  old  Albro  and  his  mate's  hoarse  voices  soundmg 

T      1-  --hwvs  'AH  hands  ahoy,  to  bury  the  dead! 
down  the  iiui.i.-n\Taj&,    -c^"  j 


THE  DEAD  MAN'S  SERMON 


247 


Below  there,  all  hands  to  bury  the  dead!'     The  body  of 
Jim  was  brought  up  out  of  the  sick-bay,  sewed  up   in  its 
hammock,  and  laid  on  a  grating  at  the  gangway;  the  offi- 
cers, with  their  epaulettes  on  their  shoulders,  their  swords 
at  their  sides,  and  laced  scrapers  in  their  hands,  standing  on 
one  side,  and  the  men,  in  their  clean  jackets  and  trowsers, 
and  hats  off,  on  the  other,  just  aft  the  mainmast,  Jim's  mess- 
mates close  aboard  the  grating.    The  ship  was  hove  to,  the 
main-top  sails  aback,  the  flag  half-mast,  and   nothing   was 
heered  to  break  the  silence  'cept  the  slapping  of  the  blocks 
and  rigging  occasionally  ag'in  the  masts  as  she  slowly  rose 
and  fell  in  the  heavy  swell.     And  there  was  the  chaplain, 
surrounded  by  us  sea-faring  men,  about  to  return  to  the  Al- 
mighty the  hulk  of  our  late  shipmate.     A  shipmate's  faults, 
and  may  be  vices,  is  forgotten  at  that  time,  when  we  sees 
him  laid  stiff  and  silent  before  us,  and  thinks  that  there  he 
lies  as  has  pulled  at  the  same  rope,  laid  out  on  the  same  yard, 
messed  from  the  same  kid,  and  may  befou'tatthe  same  gun, 
with  us  ;  I  say  his  faults  is  forgotten,  and  the  best  feelings 
of  a  seaman  only  remain  ;  and  many  an  eye  that  has  looked 
into  the  muzzle  of  an  inimy's  forty-two  without  winking,  at 
such  times  runs  down  with  tears  like  a  child;  but  somehow 
that  'ere  wasn't  the  case  with  the  body  of  Jim  Austin  as  he 
lay  there  on  the  grating.     The  men  was  afeard ;  and  when 
the  chaplain  comes  to  the  part  in  the  sarvice,  '  we  consign 
him  to  the  deep,'  and  the  body  plunged  overboard,  every 
man  aboard  of  that  craft,  officers  and  all,  breathed  freer,  as 
if  they'd  got  rid  of  a  sort  of  Jonah  as  boded  ill  to  the  ship. 
The  men  rushed  to  the  ports,  expecting  to  see  the  body  rise 
ag'in  and  float,  and  sure  enough  it  did.     It  shot  half  out  of 
the  water,  and  then  sunk  again— rose  and  sunk— and  then 


1      I) 

^1  1 


1 1 


3  . 1 


248 


THE  DEAD  MAN'S  SERMON 


slowly  rising,  floated  half  its  length  above  the  swell,  in 
which  it  surged  and  rolled  from  side  to  side,  as  if  it  were 
trying  to  regain  the  ship  ;  and  there  it  remained,  floating  in 
our  wake,  until,  as  the  ship  got  way,  it  gradually  grew  less 
and  less,  and  finally  disappeared.  Now,  sir,  it's  my  behet, 
and  the  belief  of  some  of  the  oldest  sea-faring  men  I  have 
met,  that  Jim  Austin's  spent  always  haunted  about  that  'ere 
ship  arter  that,  and  in  spite  lent  a  hand  to  knock  her  cut- 
water  athwart  ship  when  she  thumped  on  the  bar,  and  that 

thereby,  as  I  said,  she  had  to  strike  her  flag  to  a " 

"  First  cutter,  ahoy  !  "  hailed  a  fine  deep  voice. 
"  Ay,  ay,  sir  !  "  answered  the  veteran,  abruptly  breaking 
off  his  n'arration  ;  and  by  the  light  of  the  wharf-lantern  and 
the  glitter  of  the  uniforms  I  perceived  a  couple  of  officers 
approaching  along  the  pier.  In  a  moment  or  two  more  they 
were  seated  in  the  stern-sheets  of  the  barge,  the  old  seaman 

at  the  tiller. 

"  Oars ! "  said  the  officer,  and  each  man's  oar  elevated, 
stood  upright  before  him.  "  Shove  off  ! "  and  the  bowman 
gave  the  bow  a  sheer  with  his  boat-hook.  "  Let  fall ! "  The 
oars  fell  simultaneously  into  the  water,  dashing  around  them 
phosphorescent  fire  as  they  fell.  "  Give  way,  men  !  "  The 
boat  shot  away,  and  soon  the  measured  roll  of  the  oars  in 
the  row-locks  became  fainter  and  fainter,  and  the  boat  was 
lost  in  the  darkness. 

A  few  moments  more  and  my  horse  was  pawing  impa- 
tiently the  deck  of  the  steamer  as  we  dashed  up  the  bay  on 
our  way  to  the  good  and  ancient  city  of  Gotham. 


I  p' 


A  TRIP  THROUGH  LONG  ISLAND  SOUND. 

No.   I. 


s 


HELL    GATE. 


O  at  five  o'  the  clock  in  the  afternoon  of  the  —  of  August, 

Anno  Domini wind  S.S.VV,  and  the  sky  as  clear 

as  a  bell,  I  stood  in  propria  persona,  my  stick  in  my  hand, 
and  cape  on  my  shoulders,  on  the  deck  of  the  steamer  at  the 
Battery,  surrounded  by  all  the  noise,  hubbub  and  confusion 
attending  the  departure  of  that  Leviathan  on  its  nocturnal 
journey.  The  Pilot's  signal  was  given,  the  voice  of  the 
Captain,  "  All  ashore  that's  going  "  was  heard,  the  plank 
hauled  in,  the  fasts  cast  off,  the  huge  paddles  revolved,  the 
wharf  slid  by  us,  wc  passed  the  pier  head,  and  with  gather- 
ing speed  shot  out  on  to  the  bosom  of  the  calm  and  beautiful 

bay. 

We  swept  around  the  Battery,  and  dashed  like  a  race 
horse,  with  momentarily  increasing  velocity,  on  our  course, 
through  the  various  craft  crowding  the  east  river.  Gliding 
past  the  borders  of  the  great  city,  the  busy  industry  of  man 
every  where  evident  to  eye  and  ear,  soon  we  were  hurrying 
through  the  beautiful  scenery  of  Hell  Gate,  the  gay  and 
cheerful  villas  shining  among  the  green  trees  on  the 
island  of  Manhattan,  while  Blackwell's  reared  her  castellated 
and  looped  prisons  at  our  sides. 

With  steadiness  our  huge  line  steamer  with  undiminished 


f  I 


mm 


250 


I/ELL  GATE 


IV     I 


speed,  rushed   upon  her   course,  reckless  alike   of  boihng 
eddies,  and  rocks,  and   tides  and  whirlpools.     A  wide  and 
beautiful  bay  opened  on  our  left.     Here  in  our  youthful  days 
did  we  watch  with  awe  the  diving  bell  at  work,  suspended 
above  the   submerged   wreck    of    the    British    man-of-war, 
-  Hussar,"  and  here  in  our  boyish  fancy  did  we  see  "  wedges 
of  gold,  great  anchors,  heaps  of  pearl,  inestimable  jewels,  all 
scattered  in  the  boL.om  of  the  sea,"     The  Hussar  struck 
upon  a  rock  in  passing  through  the  Gate  in  the  Revolution, 
and  was  with  difficulty  kept  afloat,  till  running  her  into  this 
bay  she  sunk  in  deep  water  near  the  shore,  her  crew  escap- 
ing with  their  lives.     She  was  supposed  to  have  had  the  mili- 
tary chest  of  the  troops  on  board,  containing  a  hundred  thou- 
sand pounds  in  silver. 

Vv"hether  true  or  not,  the  probability  was  sufficient  to  in- 
duce  the  formation  of  companies  at  different  times  to  explore 
her  slimy  and  kelp-covered  timbers  in  its  pursuit,  and  much 
real  treasure  was  sunk  in  the  vain  effort  to  obtain  that  which 
in  all  probability  never  has  been.  The  tradition  handed 
down,  that  she  was  a  frigate,  is  incorrect ;  she  was  a  s/oop  of 
war,  with  a  single  gun  deck  and  consequently  but  one  bat- 
tery. 

An  old  man  (a  stout  lad  at  the  time),  relates  that  passing 
one  morning  down  by  the  Flymarket,  he  was  accosted  by 
-a  soldier  officer"  (her  Lieutenant  of  Marines)  who  re- 
quested him  to  carry  on  board  a  pair  of  shoes  that  he  had 

just  purchased. 

He  went  down  to  the  end  of  the  wharf,  and  finding  one 
of  her  barges  putting  off,  jumped  in,  and  was  coon  set  on 
board  of  her,  as  she  lay  moored  in  the  middle  of  the  stream. 
Enquiring  for  the  Purser,  he  delivered  the  shoes  and  his 


HELL  GATE 


251 


message,  and  receiving  the  pistareen,  his  promised  reward, 
ascended  the  deck  again  to  return,  but  to  u?e  his  own  ex- 
pression,  "  found  that  getting  into  a  King's  ship  and  getting 
out  were  two  very  different  things."  While  he  was  below, 
the  crew,  it  appears,  had  been  mustered  to  receive  certain 
prize  money,  and  all  his  inquiries  and  solicitations  as  to  how 


DUTCH     MANSION. 


he  was  to  get  ashore,  were  answered  by  such  jeers  and  jibes, 
such  pushing  and  hustling,  that  his  soul  fairly  sunk  within 
him,  and  to  avoid  the  boatswain's  cats,  which  began  to  fly 
around  among  the  rioters  with  the  most  impartial  plenty,  and 
in  the  distribution  of  which  he  came  in  fc     his  share,  he  was 


' ,  i 


'  if ' 


!   , 


'il 


252 


HELL  GA  TE 


forced  to  creep  in  between  two  of  the  guns  opposite  the  main 
hatch,  waiting  a  favorable  opportunity  for  escape.  He 
eventually  succeeded  in  getting  again  below,  and  represent- 
ing his  case  to  the  Purser.  That  officer  commis^ratnig  his 
situation,  came  on  deck,  and  directed  him  to  be  put  on  shore 
by  a  boat,  much  to  the  dissatisfaction  of  the  rough  men-of- 
war's  men,  who  by  no  means  restrained  their  muttenngs,  as 
they  "  gave  way,"  to  stem  the  tide  which  ran  almost  as 

swiftly  then  as  now. 

In  those  days  the  carters  loaded  their  wood  from  along- 
side  the  vessels  in  Coenties  Slip,  and  the  salutes  were  fired 
from  old  Fort  George,  just  below  the  Bowling  Green.     The 
Powder  Magazine  was  placed  well  without  the  city  limits  on 
the  "  Common,"  the  spot  where  now  stands  the  City  Hall. 
The  Hessians  quartered  on  the  Bowery  Road,  well  rugh  as 
far  out  as  Grand  street,  and  the  English  Red  Coats  bar- 
racked at  a  distance,  on  a  line  now  known  as  Chambers 
street.     Wall  street  was  the  "  West  end,"  where  were  to  be 
found   the  Howes  and  Clintons,  tne  Knyphausens  and  De 
Heysers,  with  their  liveried  servants,  and  powdered  and 
laced  footmen.     The  Theatre,  "  that  wicked  school  of  Satan," 
where  the  English  Officers,  many  of  them,  themselves  per- 
formed, was  in  John  street,  the  present  site  of  Thorburn's 
Seed  Store.     "  I  was  never  into  it  but  once't,"  said  the  old 
man ;  "  I  was  never  into  it  but  once't,  and  then  it  cost  me  a 
gold'half  Jo,  for  I  stood  treat  for  the  whole  company.    Talk 
about  dress!     Why,  the  people  don't  know  how  to  dress 
now-a-days.    You  ought  to  a-seen  the  gentle  folks  then- 
why,  there  was  the  fine  cloth  coat  with  its  broad  flaps,  and 
buttons  the  size  of  a  dollar;  the  shirt  of  Holland,  seventeen 
bunder'  fine,  and  the  cambric  cravat  with  its  lace  ends,  tied 


HELL  GATE 


253 


in  a  handsome  knot  in  front;  the  brocade  vest,  covering  the 
hips,  and  the  velvet  breeches,  with  the  paste,  or  it  mought 
be,  diamond  buckles  at  the  knees;  silk  stockings,  with  their 
embroidered   clocks   half    up  the  legs,  and    the   polished 
Spanish  leather  shoes  ;  the  queue,  tied  with  its  black  ribbon, 
hanging  down  the  back,  playing  forward  and  backward  in 
the  powder  on  the  shoulders ;  the  long  gold-headed  cane, 
and  the  cocked  hat  under  the  arm."     However,  to  return  to 
the  wreck.     Nothing  was  ever  recovered  from  her,  save 
some  trifles:  rusty  cannon  and  small  arms  were  got  up,  and 
a  bottle  of  "  Old  Jamacia,"  crusted  over  with  oysters  and 
barnacles,  which,  they  say,  was  delicious.     Large  sums  ol 
money  were  expended  at  different  times,  but  no  return  ever 

realized. 

Sir  Peter  Parker  afterwards  passed  through  the  gate  in 
his  frigate,  holding  a  pistol  to  the  ear  of  the  pilot,  with  the 
comfortable  assurance  that  if  the  ship  touched,  his  brains 
should  be  the  forfeit.    Fortunately  skill  and  good  luck  saved 
the   pilot  from  this  naval  Judge  Lynch.     As  we  passed 
on,  the  beautiful  shores,  with  their  gay  villas,  glided  by  us 
like  a  moving  diorama.     Trim  yachts  with  gaudy  streamers, 
sloops  careering  in  the  breeze  till  their  green  bottoms  were 
throv/n  almost  entirely  out  of  the  water,  and  square  rigged 
vessels  bellying  out  their  white  canvas  in  lordly  dignity, 
were  all  left  behind  us,  as  we  rounded  "  Throg's,"  opposite 
to  which  lies  the  fortress,  erected  by  the  general  Govern- 
ment,  to  cover  the  city  upon  its  Eastern  side,  which  with 
a  work  of  corresponding  magnitude  upon  the  Long  Island 
shore,  will  protect  it  from  any  attack  in  that  direction.     As 
we  sped  out  upon  the  bosom  of  the  broad  blue  Sound,  our 
jjallant  boat  rushed  forward  with  increased  vehemence,  and 


■^F^  ^ 


254 


HELL  GATE 


-  in  going  we  did  devour  the  way."  Ar-  we  plowed  its  sur- 
face the  day  was  closing  and  the  last  rays  of  the  settnig  sun 
seemed  to  linger,  to  gild  the  white  sails  here  and  there  rest- 
ing  upon  it,  before  gathering  himself  into  a  huge  globe  of  fire, 
he  should  reluctantly  sink  beneath  the  horizon,  leavmg  the 
Christain  here,  to  warn  the  Hindoo  and  the  Mussulman, 
that  Brahma  and  Alia,  in  the  other  Hemisphere,  were  there 

awaiting  prayer. 

The  gray  twilight,  like  mist,  gradually  gamed  upon  us, 
and  ere  long  the  constellations  were  quivering  in  the  heavens 
while  the  kindly  lights  and  beacons  erected  by  the  hand  of 
man,  shone  steadily  and  hospitably  along  the  shores. 


A  TRIP  THROUGH   LONG  ISLAND  SOUND. 

No.  II. 


BURNING   OF   FAIRFIELD   AND   DANBURV. 


'        6, 


AS  I  pursued  my  solitary  walk  up  and  down  the  prom- 
enade deck,  my  mind  was  aroused  from  its  train  of 
reflections  by  tiie  Light  shining  in  the  distance  on  the 
Connecticut  shore,  and  with  little  effort  I  recognized  it  as 
marking  xhe  spot  where  were  passed  my  school-boy  days. 
There  thou  liest,  thought  I  ;  thy  fields  are  just  as  green 
and  verdant,  the  meadow-lark  raising  his  wild  notes  as  sweetly 
from  their  midst,  thy  shady  woods  as  still,  the  squirrel  and 


'H        t 


'I  .  i 


I  ! 


256 


BURNING  OF  FAIRFIELD  AND  DANBURY 


%  I 


partridge  in  their  depths;  thy  swamps  as  thick,  entangled 
with  undergrowth,  brilliant  with  wild  flowers,  the  muskrat 
and  graceful  teal  sailing  as  safely  in  their  waters  ;  thy  creeks 
as  fresh  and  clear,  the  oysters  clinging  to  the  rocks 
waiting  to  be  taken,  the  fish  sweeping  around  the  rustic 
skiff  all  ready  to  be  speared  ;  and  thy  orchards  !  with  just 
such  tempting  fruit  waiting  c?//!^r  schoolboys'  appetites.  The 
scene  of  my  boyish  frolics  and  truant  days— days  when 
there  was  no  •*  satis  to  the  jam,"  there  thou  liest,  still— still 
enough — yet  it  was  not  always  so  of  yore.  Thou  hast  known 
the  pomp,  the  pride— ay,  felt  the  circumstance  of  war. 

The  town  was  burnt  by  the  British  during  the  Revolu- 
tion, and  acts  of  great  atrocity  and  cruelty  committed  by 
the  licentious  soldiery.    I  well  recollect  how  I  used  to  listen 
with   all   my   ears   to  the  narrations   of  "Old  Kit,"  one   of 
Africa's  blackest  sons,  who,  torn  in  his  childhood  from  his 
native  sands  in  Guinea,  had  been  passed,  for  nearly  three 
generations,  from  master  to  master,  outliving  them  all  into 
freedom  and  four-score.     After  firing  most  of  the  houses  the 
enemy's  column  moved  toward  Ridgefield,  with  the  inten- 
tion of  destroying  the  neighboring  town  of  Danbury,  about 
ten  miles  farther  on.     As  they  moved  along  the  main  road 
they  were  fired  upon  by  the  enraged  inhabitants  from  every 
spot  that  would  afford  a  cover.     As  they  passed  the  corn- 
fields, which  were  then  in  full  height,  they  were  particularly 
exposed,  their  officers  picked  off  and  numbers  thinned,  by 
an  unseen  foe,  whose  whereabouts  was  only  marked  by  the 
smoke  of  his  musket  rising  above  the  tall  green  stalks,  and 
who  was  out  of  reach  long  before  the  fire  could  be  returned. 
"  De  Red  Coats  fire  whole  platoons  in  dem  dar  fields  ob 
corn,"   said    Kit,   "  but  dar  no  use— our    people  was  off 


BURNING  OF  FAIRFIELD  AND  D ANBURY 


257 


as    soon     as     dey     fire  ;     sarve    'em    right,   burnin'    peo- 
ple's    housen."       In     one    place,   a    company     of    militia 
that    had    ensconced     themselves    behind     a    stone    fence 
until  they  came  within  musket  range,  poured  in  a   fire  that 
made   a    complete   chasm    in    the   column,  retreating  and 
escaping  under  the  smoke  of  their  own  guns.    Among  other 
deeds  of  brutality  that  are  related  of  them,  the  troop  seized 
upon  a  poor  old  man,  who  had  remained  behind  in  the  town 
in  the  hope  that  his  age  and  infirmities  might  protect  him,  and 
havingenvelopedhimin  a  blanket  soaked  in  rum,  they  set  fire 
to  it,  bidding  him,  with  savage  laughter,  run  for  his  life. 
The  poor   man   hurried,  with  all  the  strength  he  had,  to 
throw  himself  into  an  adjacent  pond,  but   before   he   could 
reach  it  was  bayonetted  to  death  amid  the  jeers  and  execra- 
tions of  the  demons  in  human  shape.  Some  few  of  the  houses 
escaped  the  conflagration,  as  being  residences  of  tories,  or 
adjoining  them.     One  of  the  latter  stands  to  this  day,  with 
the  hole  made  by  a  cannon-shot  in  its  side.     The  last  forty 
years,  swarms  of  bees  have  ensconced  themselves  annually 
within  the  walls,  and  collected  large  stores  of  honey  within 
the  ceilings,  which  the  owner  will  not  allow  to  be  disturbed. 
"  Young  Massa,"  said  Kit,  "  you  see  dat  little  rise  by  de 
Meetin'  House,  dar,  jis  by  dat  trees  ?  well,  arter  de  British 
wasgone,dar  I  see  little  red  rag  stick  up  out  of  de  ground— old 
nigger's  eyes  was   better  den   dan   day   is  now — dat   was 
next  day.     Well,  me  and  Hi.  Lewis— not  dat  little  noisy 
debbil  dar,  dat  young  Hi,  as  is  making  him  mischief— but 
old  Hi'  him's  grandfather  as  is  dead  and  gone— me  and  old 
Hi'  dig  and  find— what  you  tink  we  find  dar,  eh  ?— we  find 
body  of  young  soldier  officer  in  him  regimentals,  him  red 
coat  and  eperletts  and  sword  and  all,  buried  two  feet  under 


\)\ 


!> 


i  I 


i  i 


258  BURNING  OF  FAIRFIELD  AND  DANBURY 

.  ••       .    ..  h    fell      Old  Kit  seen  handsome  men  in 

lUocoi    nr    Clark  sav,    rity,  pny  . 
beautiful   young  man.     Massa   Ur.  ^la  u:_,._but 

him  fine  young  man.  but  neber  know  what  hurt  h  m      but 
we  lay  him  down  decent  in  de  ^"^y'^Sfl^l^J^^J^^ 
Numberless  were  the  traditions  treasured  up  by  the  old  peo 
p,     and  mtle,  less  than  little,  was  the  love  they  bore  te 
BrWsh      But  for  thee,  old  Kit-dark,  charcoal,  jetty  K.t, 
fue      shall  see  thee  more-ne'ershall  my  truant  steps  ag.  n 
inger  at  thy  cabin  door  in  the  little  dcU  m  the  woods.  Ne  e 
aX  shall  I  drink   thy    spruce    beer   whizzmg   from   .ts 
w2    bottle,    rior  sec   the   yellow  of  thine  eyes  beammg 
t  th  satisfac'tion  as  thou   dost  watch   its   -"s  er^o  my 
youthful  lips;  no  more  shall  I  hear  thy  legends  of  wUches 
Ld  hobgoblins;  alas!  no  more  e'en  believe  m  ghosts  and 
"frits    no  mor     in    early    morning   see  the  blue   smoke 
rS'in  its  spiral  columns  above  thy  rustic  home;    thou 
h    t    gone,    long,   and   long  ago;    gone    to    that    bourne 
wh  re  old  Dinah's  voice  shall   not   follow    thee,  nor   e  e 
the  bark  of  "  Spot,"  thy  little  trundle  ta.l,  fall  sweetly  on 

"' No'more  on  thy   block  in  the  corner  shall  1  see  thee 
puf^ng  from    thy    Loke-enameled   pipe,  while  thou  dos 
Lrn  L   fish  caught  in  the  neighboring   creek   upon   th 
coals-  thy  hearthstone  and   thy  hut   are    gone-a   pile  o 
cSlnd  stones,  relics   of   the   old    chimney,  are   all   that 


BURNING  OF  FAIRFIELD  AND  DANBURY  250 

remain  to  tell  that  there  was  human  habitation.  Peace 
to  thy  ashes,  Kit,  they  rest  in  the  black  people's  "  section" 
in  the  graveyard,  not  even  in  death  mingling  with  the  white 
race. 

The  old  giant  elms  tower  above  thee,  but  no  carved  mon- 
ument, with  boasting  epitaph,  marks  thy  whereabouts  ;  two 
gray  stones,  the  one  at  thy  head  and  the  other  at  thy  heels, 
show  where  were  consigned  thy  ashes.  Farewell,  honest, 
simple-hearted  Kit ;  should  I  reach  thy  years,  I  still  should 
carry  in  remembrance  the  happy  hours  I  passed  with  thee, 
the  squeaking  of  thy  violin,  the  shrill  notes  of  thy  "  wry- 
necked  fife  ;  "  even  the  toll  of  thy  funeral  bell,  honest  old  ne- 
gro, shall  rouse  in  my  memory  my  happy  hours  with  thee. 

The  British  proceeded  to  Danbury,  and  destroyed  a 
large  qi'.antity  of  stores  and  provisions  which  had  been  de- 
posited there  for  the  American  forces.  The  streets  literally 
ran  ankle  deep  in  fat  from  the  burning  beef  and  pork.  In 
the  height  of  the  conflagration  a  somewhat  ludicrous  exhi- 
bition was  made  by  a  squad  of  troopers  chasing  an  old  man, 
endeavoring  to  escape  on  horseback  with  a  roll  of  cloth,  his 
property,  under  his  arm.  The  cloth,  unfolding  and  flying 
behind  him,  so  frightened  the  horses  of  the  dragoons,  that, 
although  they  were  more  fleet,  they  could  not  reach  the  old 
man  with  their  sabers  in  their  attempts  to  cut  him  down. 
"  Give  in,  old  daddy,"  they  at  length  shouted  ;  "give  in,  and 
take  quarter."  But  the  old  daddy,  tenacious  of  his  prop- 
erty, would  not  give  in,  and  won  the  race,  saving  his  cloth 
and  skin. 

The  surrounding  country  was  soon  in  arms,  and  the  en- 
emy, having  effected  their  object,  commenced  their  retreat. 
At  one  time,  when   the  column  was  in  full  march,  it  was 


'V?\ 


260  BUJ!MJVC  OF  FAIRFIELD  AND  DANBUHV 

brought  to  a  halt,  and  the  artillery  hurried  up  to  the  front 
by  the  appearance  of  a  mounted  man  on  a  ndge  ,ust  abo^e 
them,  who  appeared  to  be  giving  commands  to  .  i  -roe  be- 
hind in  tones  of  decision  and  authority.     As  soon  as  h:s 
words  could  be  disti„guished,they  heard  the  imposmgorders: 

"nalt-the  whole  universe  !    Break  off  by  km^doms  !     Em- 
pires  to  the  front !"     They  of  course  discovered  that  it  was  a 
m  dman.    Wooster  and  Arnold   hung  upon  then-  rear  as 
They  retreated,  and  they  were  glad  to  effect  a  hurr.ed  embark- 
ation in  their  boats,  which  were  awaitmg  them  off  Compo. 
Wooster  was  killed,  shot  through  the  body,  as  he  turned  m 
his  saddle  to  cheeron  his  men.    Arnoldcame  near  shanng  the 
same  fate,  but  exhibited  his  usual  cool  daring  -^ '"  -P'^'J^ 
His  horse  was  shot  by  an  English  grenad.er,  and  fell  upon 
hi„  in  such  a  manner  that  he  was  entangled,  and  could  no 
immediately  arise.     The  soldier  hurried  up  to  bay"-' '^e 
disabled  officer;  but  Arnold,  disengagmg  h.™self,drew  h.s 
pistol  from    the  holsters,  and  shot  the  man  dead  as  he  ap- 
proached. 


rr 


A  TRIP  THROUGH  LONG  ISLAND  SOUND. 


\\l 


No.    III. 


NIGHT     ALARM. 


'  I  I 

1  I 


BUT  to  return  to  our  journey.     As  the  evening  wore  on 
group  after  group  disappeared  from  the  deck,  and  by 
and  by  I  myself  descended  to  the  cabin,  prepared  to 
try  to  rest.     I  threw  myself  into  my  berth,  and  soon  all  was 
still,  save  here  and  there   a  sleepy   waiter  might  be  seen 
gathering  the  boots  together,  or  obeying  the  instructions 
given  him  by  some  passenger  in  undertones.     But  the  quiet 
of  the  cabin  was  before  long  broken  by  the  entry  of  several- 
noisy  young  men,  who  had,  by  drinking  at  the  bar,  deprived 
themselves  of  the  slight  modicum  of  sense  with  which  na- 
ture had  endowed  them.     The   noise   and   profanity   were 
borne  by  the  passengers  for  a  time  in  silence  ;    but  finally, 
by  absence  from  restraint,  became  so  insufferable  that  we 
were  induced  to  call  a  waiter  and  send  him  with  a  message 
to  the  captain,  complaining  of  the  unreasonable  disturbance. 
The  captain  was  soon  on  the  spot,  and  by  his  remonstrances 
the    disturbance   quelled ;     but    he     had    no     sooner     left 
the    cabin     than    it     was     resumed,    and     became    worse 
than    before.      I     had    heard     for    some     time    ominous 
sounds     of     dissatisfaction    proceeding     from    the    berth 
above    me ;    and    sundry    creaks    and     broken     exclama- 


ii     t 


I!  ,'! 


262 


NIGHT  ALARM 


in-  "I  li 


ii  '     f 


tions  of  wrath  warned  me  that  its  occupant  was  about  be- 
stirring himself.  At  length  a  night-capped  head  protruded 
itself  over  its  side,  and  a  solemn  voice,  in  tones  and  gravity 
becoming  a  country  deacon  proceeded  from  it.  ''I  thmktha 
it  is  a  great  and  manifest  wrong,"  said  the  speaker,  "that all 
the  passengers  in  the  cabin  of  this  public  conveyance  are  to  be 
disturbed  in  this  manner  by  a  parcel  of  noisy,  riotous  young 

^en  who "     "  Bah  !  Uncle,  pull  in  your  night-cap,    was 

the  insulting  interruption  called  forth  by  this  reasonable  re- 
monstrance  ;  but,  instead  of  silencing,  my  neighbor  s  pluck 
was  thoroughly  up,  and  raising  his  voice  so  that  it  could  be 
heard    to    the    very  extremities  of  the    cabin,   completely 
drowning  the  vociferations  of  the  rioters,  he  continued  .  ''I 
think  it  a  shame-I   see   no   reason  why  we  should  be  de- 
prived of  our  rest,  more  than  our  money ;  and  of  the  two  I 
had     rather  be    robbed  of    the   last."     The   yells   of  the 
rioters     now     became     perfectly     outrageous.     "I     move 
that   if    these   fellows  are   not  instantly   quiet,   that     they 
be  put  out  of  the  cabin  in  their  shirts"-and   suiting   the 
action  to  the  word,  throwing  his  legs  over  the  side  of  the 
berth-''  and  I  will  be  the  first  to  do  it."     ^  1  second   that 
motion,"  cried  one  passenger;  ''and  I,"   "and  I,"  "and  I, 
resounded  from  every  part  of  the  cabin.     "  D-n  their  eyes, 
growled  a  deep  bass  voice,  from  the  berth   just  beyond  me, 
in  tones  that  had  evidently  been   modulated  by  a  speaking 
trumpet,  "  d-n  their  eyes,  if  they  give  us  any  more  of  their 
noise,  I'll  thrash  the  whole  raft  of  them  myself.  Shut  up,  you 

infernal  whelps!  " 

The  spirit  of  wrath  was  up  among  the  passengers,  and 
the  rioters  were  effectually  subdued.  They  slunk  away,  and 
quiet  was  restored.     I  supposed  all  this  time  that  my  friend 


NIGHT  ALARM 


263 


of  the  night-cap  was  simmering  in  wrath  and  indignation  in 
his  berth  above  me,  but  was  equally  surprised  and  amused 
when,  after  a  lapse  of  some  ten  minutes,  the  head  again  bent 
over  the  side  towards  me,  and  a  good-natured  voice  issued 
from  its  mouth  :  "  I  say,  we  put  them  fellows  down  nice, 
didn't  we?"  as  calm  and  good-naturedly  as  if  its  owner  had 
had  no  hand  in  the  oelligerent  manifestations  so  lately  made. 

The  regular  jar  and  clank  of  the  machinery  was  soon  all 
that  disturbed  the  restored  quiet  of  the  cabin,  and  the  moan 
or  sigh  of  some  uneasy  sleeper  all  that  gave  evidence  that 
a  hundred  souls  were  resting  within  its  confines.  I  gradu- 
ally lost  my  recollection,  and  fell  asleep,  but  could  not  have 
been  long  in  that  state  when  I  was  aroused  by  a  cry  so 
shrill  and  agonizing—"  Stop  her,  stop  her,  for  God's  sake 
stop  her !  "-  that,  in  common  with  twenty  others,  I  was  out 
of  my  bertn,  hurrying  upon  deck,  before  I  was  well  aware 
of  what  I  was  about.  Supposing  that  we  were  running  on 
the  rocks,  or  about  to  be  run  into  by  some  other  vessel, 
the  passengers,  some  dressed,  others  not,  as  they  had 
sprung  from  their  berths,  rushed  up  the  companion-way. 
There  we  found  the  captain  standing  in  his  shirt  and 
pantaloons,  apparently  as  much  in  amazement  as  ourselves. 
The  engineer,  her- -'^rc?^  the  cry,  had  stopped  the  eiigine  with- 
out waiting  for  f  rders  from  the  pil'jt ;  and  there  we  all 
stood,  staring  at  eiich  other  like  the  drunkards  in  Auer- 
bach's  cellar  in  Leipsic. 

The  upshot  of  the  affair  turned  out  to  be  that  one  of 
the  deck  passengers  had  dreamed  that  he  was  overboard, 
and  the  screams  which  he  had  sent  forth  in  his  sleep  had  thus 
alarmed  the  whole  boat.  Order  was  of  course  again  re- 
stored, and    we    returned    to    our  berths.     As  I  went  to 


1 1 


-*  \ 


W- 

w 

m 

tr 
'? 
'I 

264 


NIGHT  ALARM 


mine,  I  was  amused  by  the  nonchalance  exhibited  by  an 
English  half-pay  officer  whose  berth  was  near  mme.  He  was 
very  coolly  finishing  his  elaborate  toilette  previous  to  going 
upon  deck  to  ascertain  the  cause  of  the  alarm.  "  You  take 
matters  coolly,  sir,"  said  I.  "Oh.  yes,"  he  rephed;  I 
thought  that  if  1  had  got  to  drown,  I  might  as  well  drown 
with  my  clothes  on,  like  a  gentleman. 


A  TRIP  THROUGH  LONG  ISLAND  SOUND. 


No.  IV. 


"THE    BOYS. 


NEVER  a  good  sleeper  on  board  of  a  steamboat,  and 
my  nerves  somewhat  jarred  by  the  alarm,  I  remained 
for  a  long  time  awake  after  the  sounds  from  the  va- 
rious berths  showed  me  that  at  least  it  was  forgotten  by 
their  occupants. 

While  cogitating  upon  the  events  of  the  night,  my  mind 
in  connection  with  the  uproar  of  ti:-  noisy  youths  in  the 
earlier  part  of  it,  recurred  to  some  humorous  scenes  and  ad- 
ventures to   which  I  had  been  witness  years  by   gone   at 

N .    It  so  happened  that  I  was  there  at  a  time,  and  thrown 

into  company  and  companionship  with  a  laughter-loving,  fun- 
seeking,  mirth-requiring  set,  whose  nocturnal  quarters  were 

at  "the  Colony,"  the  Bachelor's  row,  at Hall,  and  ill 

betide  any  unfortunate  wight  who  sought  his  slumbers  there 
until  long  after  the  witching  time  of  night.  "  By'r  Ladie  !" 
it  was  a  place  profane,  that  entry.  Little  was  heard  of  grace, 
but  shouts  of  uproarious  laughter,  loud  and  long-continued, 
bass  voices  in  merry  chorus,  the  ringing  of  bells,  and  cries 
for  "waiter,"  "sherry  cobblers,"  "mint  juleps,"  "punches 
strong  and  sweet,"  "  cigars  and  pipes,"  for  its  noisy  denizens. 
But  with  all  their  youthful  jollity  and  excess,  the  gentleman 


i-4 


[66 


••  THE  BOYS' 


m 


ight  witty,  generous  and 


still  predominated,  and  there  were  ri{ 
noble  spirits  among  them. 

A  few  short  years  have  glided  by,  and  where  are  they? 
Some  are  dead ;  one  fine  fellow  has  killed  his  man,  and  wan- 
ders a  homicide,  with  the  mark  of  Cain  upon  his  brow,  too 
late  awakened  to  the  pangs  of  conscience  ;  another-but  why 
moralize  ?    They  are  dispersed  on  their  life  journey,  some 
on  the  blue  ocean,  some  on  the  green  prairie,  some  on  moun- 
tain  top,  some  in  the  toiling  city,  each  in  his  vocation,  but 
not  likely  to  meet  again.     One  evening  "  L.,"  of  our  number, 
the  most  popular  and  amusing,  was  missing  from  his  seat 
upon  the  back  piazza,  where  our  body  politic  with    their 
cigars  used  to  congregate  in  the  earlier  part  of  the  night, 
and  his  absence  soon  became  object  of  remark  and  specula- 
tion.    Various   were  the  surmises-some   thought  he   had 
dined  out,  others  that  he'd  been  shot  dead  with  the  bright 
"  glances  of  some  white  wench's  merry  black  eye,"  that— 
but  surmise  was  soon  silenced  by  the  fact  that  he  had  gone- 
to  bed.     "  To  be  up  betimes  was  to  be  up  after  midnight," 
but  to  be  abed  before  was  strange-"  'twas  passing  strange  " 
-unnatural,  not  to  be  allowed.     To  be  in  bed  by  nine!- 
'twas  monstrous  ;  such  innovation  on  time  and  place  was  not 
to  be  permitted-noteven  thought  of ;  and  it  was  determined 
that  "  come  what,  come  may,  sleep  to  his  eyelids  should  be 
a  thing  forbid."    To  second  so  laudable  a  determination,  a 
waiter  was  summoned,  and  being  duly  advised  of  his  duty, 
soon  reached  the  door  of  "  No.  6,"  where  the  unfortunate 
"  L."  was  paying  his  devotions  to  the  sleep  god.     A  gentle, 
modest,  then  louder  knock  was  heard,  and  again  repeated; 
finally   followed  the  drowsy   reply  of  the  inmate,  "  Who's 
there?    What  do  you  want?"     "  Here  it  is,  sir,"  was  the 


-r     .:^„ 


THE  BOYS 


»» 


267 

obsequious  answer;  "here  it  is."  "Here's  what?"  "The 
warm  water,  sir."  "Warm  water?"  "  Yes,  sir,  the  warm 
water  for  the  sick  gentleman."  "  Warm  water— why,  I'm 
not  sick,  it  must  be  for  some  other  room."  "  Beg  pardon, 
sir."  And  the  waiter  returned  to  inform  his  employers  on 
the  piazza  that  it  was  a  mistake,  and  that  the  gentleman  in 
"  Six  "  was  "  not  in  the  laste  unwell." 

A  suitable  time  being  allowed  to  elapse  for  "  L."  to  forget 
the  disturbance,  and  be  again  upon  the  shores  of  Lethe,  an- 
other waiter  was  summoned,  and  soon  standing  with  thunder- 
ing knock  at  his  chamber  door.  "  Hallo !  What  do  you  want? 
Who's  there?"  replied  the  startled  voice  within.     "Here's 
the  medicine,  sir."     "  Medicine  !  what  medicine?"     "  Why, 
sir,  the   rhubarb   and   magnesia  for  the   sick  gentleman 
«'  Confound  your  stupidity ;  the  sick  man  is  in  some  other 
i-oom— clear  out !"  and  the  astonished  waiter,  like  his  pre- 
decessor, returned  to  tell  his  story  to  those  that  sent  him. 
A  longer  interval  of  quiet  was  now  allowed,  and  the  occu- 
pant of  "No.   6"  was  far  gone   into  forgetfulness,  when 
thump,  thump,  thump,  again  at  his  door,  started  him  wide 
awake.     "What  in  the   foul  fiend's   name  do  you    want?" 
"The    Docthur    is   below,  sir;    zvill    I    tell  him   to    come 
up  ?"     "  Will  you  put  your  head  inside  the  door,  you  stupid 
scoundrel,  that  I  may  throw  my  boot  at  it ;  this  is  the  third 
time  I  have  been  disturbed  to-night ;  off  with  you,  and  find 
your  sick  man  somewhere  else  !"  and  the  frightened  waiter 
retured  to  the  gentlemen  with,  "  Sure,  there's  nothing  the 
mutter  with  the  gentleman,  save  wrath."     A  sufficiently  long 
time  elapsed,  and  the  waiters,  to  speak  in  a  military  sense, 
having,  like  tirailleurs,  done  the  skirmishing,  it  was  deter- 
mined  that  the  main  body,  the  party  on  the  piazza,  should 


1 

v 

!  , 

1 
I 

I 

i 

'1 

1 

i 

( 

1 
'1 

268 


THE  BOYS' 


charge  in  solid  column,  and  make  a  final,  determined  and 
desperate  attack. 

Preceded  by  a  servant  with  a  large  supply  of  lights, 
cigars,  cobblers,  slings  and  juleps,  and  of  drinks  "  id  genus 
omne;'  their  measured  tramp  was  heard  along  the  entry 
leading  to  its  fated  portal.  "  Halt !"  from  the  van.  The 
column  faced  to  the  right,  and  the  long  still  entry  returned 
the  echo ;  knock,  knock,  knock,  thundering  at  the  door  of 
devoted  "  No.  6."  Suspecting  what  was  in  the  wind,  "  L." 
remained  perfectly  still,  and  returned  no  answer;  "thump, 
thump,  thump,"  and  the  clatter  of  the  opposite  windows  re- 
turned the  jarring  sound— thump,  thump,  thump,  each  blow 
given  with  more  urgent  emphasis,  and  the  reluctant  "  What's 

wanting?"  at  length  heard  in  reply.     R 's  deep  voice, 

deepened  into  sepulchral  tones,  slowly  answered,  "  Here's 
the  undertaker  to  measure  the  dead  gentleman  for  a  coffin 
in  "  No.  6."     This  lugubrious  information  elicited  from  the 
occupant  no  reply.     There  ensued  a  pause.     "  He's  jumped 
out  of  the  window,"  said  the   van,   "committed  suicide," 
growled  the  center, 'Vr«w/zV,  ernpit,  ^m^zV.-'"  shouted  the 
rear.     A  suitable  and  befitting  time  having  elapsed  for  the 
opening  of  the  door,  snuffled  R.  in  the  tones  of  a  Methodist 
preacher,  "  I  move   that  we  now  enter  the   room  of  our  de- 
ceased friend  and  make  suitable  provision  for  his  obsequies. 
Open  sesame !"  and  suiting  the  action  to  the  word,  followed 
by  a  press  oi  the  shoulder,  the  door  flew  open,  and  there  sat 
L.  bolt  upright,  his  hands  folded  before  him  in  his  bed,  re- 
signedly awaiting  coming  events,  and  that  that  the  gods  had 
for  him  in  store.     He  was  too  good  a  fellow  to  be  sulky, 
however  much  he  was  annoyed  by  this  unwelcome  intrusion 
upon  his  quiet;  besides  "  it  would  have  been  no  use,"  and 


"  THE  BOYS"  269 

with  his  glass  ii  'us  hand,  surrounded  by  jolly  companions, 
some  seated  on  the  bed,  some  on  the  tables  and  on  each 
other's  laps,  the  atmosphere  of  the  room  opaque  with  smoke, 
his  voice  was  heard  ere  long  in  the  Bacchanalian  chorus  with 
which  the  wise  pates  saw  fit  to  surround  him.  There  were 
among  them  some  exceedingly  "  hard  youths,"  to  whom 
mischief  and  fun  were  synonymous. 

One  night  they  changed  all  the  boots  that  the  porter  had 
cleaned  and  left  at  the  doors  of  the  rooms  for  their  respect- 
ive occupants,  and  the  next  morning  a  little  before  the  sec- 
ond bell,  such  ringing  and  shouting  for  "waiter"  had  rarely 
been  heard  e'en  in  that  noisy  quarter;  such  objurgations, 
such  imprecations,  not  deep  only,  but  loud,  as  were  hurled 
at  the  head  of  the  unfortunate  "boots."  There  was  "No. 
2  "  with  feet  the  size  of  Goliah,  tugging  at  a  pair  of  delicate 
patent  leathers,  into  the  leg  of  which  he  could  scarcely 
squeeze  his  toes,  while  the  unfortunate  dandy  in  "  No.  9  " 
stood  staring  in  speechless  astonishment  at  the  huge  clumsy 
thick  soled  "country  makes"  which  had  taken  their  place. 

"  Washington  ties,"  the  comfort  of  gouty  old  gentlemen, 
were  awaiting  feet  that  cared  not  a  stiver  for  a  twenty  mile 
tramp,  while  morocco  pumps  were  provided  for  feet  ac- 
quainted only  with  twinges  and  bandages  of  flannel.  "  No. 
13's  "  straps  were  cut  off,  and  "22  "  had  his  filled  with  whis- 
key punch,  whilst  "  17  "  found  two  tumblers  and  a  wine  glass 
in  his;  "27"  and  "  28's"  door  handles,  the  rooms  being  op- 
posite, were  made  fast  by  a  rope  across  the  entry,  and  "  32's" 
bed,  bedding  and  carpet  were  formed  into  a  pyramid  in  the 
center  of  the  room,  with  the  wash  bowl  and  pitcher  as  its 
apex,  while  "  No.  7  "  was  horrified  by  having  all  the  furni- 


i 
i 

i 

i 

I 

1 

:  r 

fi 
*-^ 

i  ' 

'i 

i  : 

1 ; 

i, 

'    \ 
I 

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IMAGE  EVALUATION 
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270 


THE  BOYS 


ture  of  the  adjoining  unoccupied  room  piled  against  his 
door,  tumbling  in  upon  him  as  he  opened  it  in  the  morning. 
A  few  years  only  have  passed  by,  and  as  men  sadder  and 
wiser,  how  do  many  of  the  actors  look  back  in  wonder  at 
such  pleasure  ? 


* 


A  TRIP  THROUGH  LONG  ISLAND  SOUND 

No.V. 


THE   UNFORTUNATE  LOVER. 


BUT   while   upon  practical  jokes,  I   recollect  one  that 
occurred  at  Yale,  that  venerable  academic  matron,  m 
years  gone  oy.     B.,  a  somewhat  sentimental  youth, 
roomed  with  two  brother  soph's  who  had  about  as  much 
romance  in  their  composition  as  could  be  analyzed  from  a 
blacksmith's  anvil.     Now  the  suites  of  rooms  in  that  ancient 
institution  are  composed  of  three,  two  bed,  and  one  sittmg- 
room,  to  say  nothing  of  the  luxury  of  a  wood  closet.     B., 
besides  writing  poetry  and  playing  on  the  flute,  was  also 
desperately  in  love,  and  used  to  go  and  see  his  inamorata 
every  night,  where  his  stay  in  "  lengthened  sweetness,  long 
drawn  out,"  usually  terminated  at  about  the  witching  hour. 
One  very  cold  night,  his  chums,  being  instigated  by  the 
father  of  evil,  determined  as  an  offset  to  his  enjoyment  that 
they  would  have  some  fun  at  his  expense.    So,  getting  a 
large  cat,  which  was  in  the  habit  of  prowling  about  the  mess 
hall,  they  by  coaxing  and  a  little  gentle  force  succeeded  m 
placing  her  SHUgly  in  the  centre  of  B.'s  bed,  where,   the 
quarters  being  warm  and  comfortable,  puss  was  contented 
to  remain.     Raking  up  the  fire  and  putting  out  the  hghts 
these  two  wicked  youths  then  retired  to  their  beds,  and 


THE  UNFORTUNATE  LOVER 

there  chuckling  in  anticipated  delight,  awaited  the  cat-^^- 
Se  By  and  by  up  came  B.,  fumbled  at  the  door  and 
opening  it  walked'in.  Finding  all  cold,  dark  and  comfort 
TsL  grumbled  at  the  want  of  considerat.on  that  had  thus 
him  so  inhospitable  a  reception,  but.  summon.ng  h.s  p  U 
o  ophy  made  the  best  of  a  bad  bargain,  and  proceeded  w.  h 
Zt  Ilacrity  he  might  to  divest  himself  °';;  ^^^^^^ 
the  dark,  his  movements  not  the  less  exped.t.ous  from  the 

'"'Having  proved  Plato's  definition  of  humanity  he  gave 
one  spring  and  in  an  instant  was  beneath  the  bed  dothes ; 
hu     r    no  her  Grimalkin's  claws,  suddenly  disturbed  from 
he    slumbers,  were  planted  in  his  unfortunate  legs.    With 
Tctm  of  terror  B.  bounced  out  of  bed  on  o-  s.de,  » 
the  cat  in  equal  alarm,  darted  out  on  the  other.    Dashmg 
around  the  room,  frantic  with  alarm,  springing  at  the  .v.n- 
dows  and   rushing  through  the  fire-place   scmj 
sparks  and   live  embers  about  the  room,  the  cat  screamed 
Td  veiled  while  B.,  in  amazement,  his  hair  standmg  on  end 
"ndtht'tpso,  perspiration  roUing  off  ^^^^^^  ^^^ 
terror,  danced  first  on  one  leg  and  then  on  the  other,  shout 
h,g  for  assistance  at  the  top  of  his  lungs  ,n  t^e  center 

°The  mirth  soon  "became  so  fast  and  fur.ous      ha    to 
save  poor  B.  from  more  dire  consequences,  the  m.sch.et 
mikers  pretending  to  awake  from  slumber,  were  fam  to  m- 

Te  p  si  L  ''y  "P-^"^  ''•^  ''""^  ^"°"  '"^  lo'ceThT. 
into  the  entry,  from  whence  she  soon  -g="";"^~"^f  .'T^ 
self  in  her  favorite  haunts  under  the  roof  in  the  garret  of  the 

"  old  South  Middle." 


A  TRIP  THROUGH  LONG  ISLAND  SOUND. 


No.  VI. 


ADVENTURE   ON   THE   MISSISSIPPI. 


MARQUETTE   DESCENDING    THE   MISSISSIPPI. 

THE  alarm  that  had  so  seriously  aroused  us  from  our 
berths  soon,  as  I  have  said,  subsided,  and  all   was 
again  silent,  except  the  measured  jar  and  clank  of 
the    machinery.     For  my  own  part,  although  I  could  not 
hear   a  voice  crying   "  Macbeth  hath  murdered   sleep,"   I 
found  that  I  could  "  sleep  no  more,"  pitching  and  tumbling. 


A  I 


i  ' 


2  74  ADVENTURE  ON  THE  MISSISSIPPI 

rolling  first  on  one  side  and  then  on  the  other  in  my  berth  in 
vain  attempts  to  enjoy  its  balmy  influence,  my  imagmation 
running  wild  in  all  sorts  of  freaks  and  fantasies.  Now,  my 
imagination  is  of  such  a  perfect  devil-me-care  character  that 
it  will  under  such  circumstances,  jump  on  and  ride,  without 
bridle' or  halter,  whatever  subject  first  presents  itself,  and, 
ere  I  was  aware,  it  was  galloping  back  to  a  ludicrous  scene 
I  once  witnessed  in  the  cabin  of  a  steamer  ascending  the 

Mississippi. 

It  so  happened  that  I  left  New  Orleans,  in  the  season 
when  duels  and  yellow  fever  were  becoming  rife,  in  one  of 
the  fastest  steamers  out  of  that  port.     The  usually  monoto- 
nous voyage  up  was  enlivened  with  an  occasional  race  with 
some  boat  ahead,  in  which  all  the  spare  bacon  and  hams 
among  the  freight  were  thrown  into  the  furnaces  to  feed  the 
boilers  while  to  save  unnecessary  trouble  the  firemen  lashed 
down  the  safety  valves.     Indeed,  in  our  case  we  might  be 
said  to  be  especially  favored,  for  even  in  the  absence  of  the 
excitement  of  the  race  we  could  always  recur  to  the  fact  that 
we  had  four  hundred  kegs  of  gunpowder,  marked  "  buck- 
wheat,"  stowed   in  interesting  proximity   to   the   furnace, 
which'at  any  instant  might,  by  sending  us  among  the  stars, 
leave  it  a  matter  of  doubt  in  our  minds  whether  the  boilers  did 
or  did  not  give  way  at  exactly  four  hundred  atmospheres. 
When  arrived   at   Natchez,  from   that  interesting  suburb 
yclept  "Natchez  under  the  hill,"  to  which  district  the  "  Five 
Points"  is  a  church  swept  out  and  garnished-where  the 
bowie-knife  and    pistol  are    the   arbiters  in   all   disputes, 
where  a  pack  of  cards  is  the  only  Bible,  and  the  demand, 
''Stranger,  will  you  drink  or  fight?"  the  first  salutation- 
there  came  on  board  «'  an  individual  "   extremely    "  wolfy 


ADVENTURE  ON  THE  MISSISSIPPI 


275 


about  the  head  and  shoulders,"  "  a  yellow  flower  of  the  for- 
est/'— in  short,  a  regular  "  hoosier,"  his  long  elf-locks  stream- 
ing around  his  shoulders,  and  his  deep-sunken  black  eyes 
cast  furtively  about  him  with  a  sinister  expression,  indicat- 
ing that  "  he  was  considerably  troubled  with  the  rascal." 

He  was  surly  in  his  appearance,  and  dirty,  but,  as  he  paid 
his  fare  for  the  cabin,  cabin  accommodations  of   course  he 
was  entitled  to,  and  had.     The  fellow's  whereabouts  was 
undesirable  in  the  morning,  when  he  was  sober,  but  when 
drunk,  in  the  afternoon,  extremely  annoying  to  us  of  the  more 
cleanly  sort  that  used  our  own  tooth-brushes  ;  so  much  so 
that  we  endeavored  to  have  him  sent  forward,  but  the  cap- 
tain said  that  he  could  not  '.turn  the  man  out  of  the  cabin 
without  some  specific  charge  of  offense  ;  and  that,  although 
he    would    not   go   out  of   the  way  of   his  duty  to    shun 
consequences,  he  would  rather  avoia  the  chance  of  having 
a  rifle-ball  put  through  him,  perhaps  some  years  afterwards, 
from    behind   a   tree    or  wood-pile    along    shore,  when  he 
might  least  expect  it. 

To  an  argument  so  forcible,  we  could  not  of  course 
make  reply.  But  when  we  came  to  retire  at  night,  and 
the  mauvais  sujct  was  ensconced  in  his  berth,  o'ercome,  if 
not  with  "  wine  and  wassail,"  with  potations  of  whisky 
"  pottle  deep,"  the  rest  of  us  sinking  into  calm  repose, 
there  began  to  rise  from  his  berth  such  snores  and  groans 
and  grunts  that  it  appeared  as  if  all  the  hogs  of  the  last 
litter  were  there  huddled  together.  By  and  by,  an  indi- 
vidual, getting  entirely  out  of  patience,  sprung  from  his 
berth,    and    rushing    up    and    shaking    him    with    all    his 

might,  consigning  him  at  the  same  time  to  all  the  d. Is 

m   the  infernal  regions,  insisted  that  he  should  stop   his 


t  I 


1*1 


276 


ADVENTURE  ON  THE  MISSISSIPPI 


noise.    The    man    sat  upright   in    his    berth,   with  drunk- 
en    gravity,  looking  at  the  speaker   with   lack-lustre  eyes, 
essaying  a  reply,  but  stopped  by  a  hiccough,  sunk  slowly 
down,  and  was  asleep  again  before  he  was  well  on  his  side. 
But  no  sooner  had  the  excited  passenger  got  back  to  his 
berth,  and   the   rest  of  us  begun  to  think  that    the    dis- 
turbance was  over,  than  at  it  again  he  went,  as  if  in  very  de- 
fiance  ;  so  that  it  was  soon  determined,  nem.  con.,  that  ;he 
must  go,  willingly  if  he   would-"  we  would  not  stand  upon 
the  order  of  his  going"— but  go  he  must. 

The  captain  was  again.apealed  to,  and  by  his  directions 
the  sot  was  carried  out,  and  placed  in  one  of  the  berths  for- 
ward, where  he  remained  most  of  the  time  drunk  during  the 
rest  of  the  passage.     It  was  not  until  the  last  day  of  our 
voyage  that  we  found  we  were  indebted  to  a  very  clever 
fellow,  a  ventriloquist,  who  slept  in  the  next  berth,  for  the 
relief.    From    him    came    the    sounds  which   appeared  to 
emanate    from    the   form    of   the    unfortunate    "  hoosier." 
There   were   several   professed    gamblers   on   board,  who 
were   incessantly  engaged    in    their   vocation   during   the 
day,  snatching   time    only    for  their   meals,  and    many  an 
unfortunate  wight  was  relieved  of  his  superfluous  cash  on 
the  passage.     One  game    in    particular  appeared    to    be  a 
favorite  one.      It   was    called  "  Poker,"  and  not   only  the 
gentlemen  gamblers,  in  the  cabin,  but  the    more  common 
sort,  forward,  were  equally  absorbed  in  it. 

There  was  a  fascination  about  the  game  which  took  with 
all.  The  lower  classes  and  the  boatmen,  I  understood,  fre- 
quently staked  the  coats  off  their  backs  upon  the  game,  and 
it  is  said  that  there  have  been  instances  when  the  negro  fire- 
men,  after  losing  everything,  have  staked  and  lost  their  free- 


ADVENTURE  ON  THE  MISSISSIPPI 


277 


dom.    Speaking  of  this  game  reminds  me  of  an  incident  that 
occurred  on  the  passage,  which  at  the  time  strongly  touched 

my  feelings. 

I  was  one  morning  measuring  the  hurricane  deck  with 
my   usual   walk,   our  boat    breasting  the   turbid    expanse 
of  waters,  her  high-pressure  engines  panting  as  if  with  the 
effort ;— now   viewing,  as  we  were  gliding  almost  beneath 
them,  the  huge  forest  trees  trembling  on  the  brink,  which, 
ere  long,  undermined  by  the   current,  would   fall,  and   be 
swept  onwards  to  form  the  dreaded  snags  and  sawyers;  and 
now,  aroused  by  the  sudden  change  in  our  course,  as  we  ran 
across  the  stream  to  double  a  bend  or  bar ;  now  watching 
the  phalanxes  of  wild  fowl  winging  their  way  to  the   limpid 
pools  and  splashy  lakes  of  the  north,  now  some  gaunt  heron 
or  gigantic  crane  slowly  and  heavily  winging  his  awkward 
flight,  while  from  the  lofty  tree  in  the  adjoining  forest,  sit- 
ting motionless  as  death  upon  a  withered  branch,  the  lordly 
eagle,  with  cruel  eye  fixed  upon  his  victim,  was  "  biding  his 
time,"    when,   throwing  himself    upon  the  blue   ether,  he 
should  commence  the  death-chase,  circling  higher  and  high- 
er till,  descending  upon   him  like  a  meteor,  he  would  bear 
him/screaming  and  struggling,  to  feed  his  eaglets  in  their 
mountain  eyrie ;  now,  in  imagination,  tracing  the  thousand 
tributary  streams,  from  the  frozen  regions  of  the  north,  from 
mountain  grim  and  prairie  green,  from  the  silver  lake,  where 
the  bronzed  trapper  watched  the  busy  beaver,  and  the  tur- 
bid river  where  floated  the  free  Indian  in  his  bark  canoe, 
tracing  the  thousand  streams  which,  by  this  "  father  of  wa- 
ters," send  their  offering  to  the  ocean  through  the  great 
Gul'f  of  Mexico  ;-when  my  attention  was  diverted   by  a 
stout  negro   man  leaning  over  the  side  of  the   raihng,  in 


ril: 


i 


'^ti 


M! 


2«8  ADVENTURE  ON  THE  MISSISSIPPI 

true  negro  abandon,  watching  the  ceaseless  revolution  of 
paddles.    As  I  passed  him.  I  stopped.     "  Boy."  said      (for 
all  negroes  at  the  South,  old  or  young,  great  or  small  are 
called  boys) ;  "  boy,  to  whom  do  you  belong  ? "  He  turned  h.s 
round,  fat  face,  shining  with  content,  and  his  row  of  ivory, 
the  color  of  snow,  contrasted  with  his  jetty  skin,  and  rephed 
with  the  utmost  simplicity  and  "sang-froid,"  "Well,  sir  1 
doesn't  rightly  know.    I  did  belong  to  Massa  John,  but  he 
and  de   captain   been   playin'  poker  for  de  last  two  hours 
and  I  can't  rightly  say  who  I  does  belong  to  now.      And 
yet  he  appeared  as  happy  and  contented  as  any  man.  white 
or  black,  on  board.    The  simplicity  and  naivete  with  which 
he  spoke  of  his  transfer  affected  me  for  the  moment  much. 


ATRIP   THROUGH  LONG  ISLAND  SOUND. 

No.  VII. 


NEW   LONDON  AND   STONINGTON. 


B 


UT  to  return  from  our  long  digression.  Our  steamer 
plowed  her  course  along  the  Sound  with  unremit- 
ting  speed  and  steadiness. 


"  The  air  was  cut  away  before, 
And  clos-ed  from  behind." 


Finding  that,  so  far  as  sleep  was  concerned,  I  was  "  a  man 
forbid,"  I  folded  my  cloak  about  me,  and  ascended  the  deck. 
The  night-mist  hung  damp  and  heavy  on  plank  and  railing, 
and  far  ahead  New  London  light  was  shining  in  the  distance. 
This  was  the  port,  it  will  be  recollected,  where  Commodore 
Decatur  was  blockaded  with  two  American  frigates  during 
the  war  by  the  British  squadron.    He  was  in  some  measure 
reconciled  to  the  spirit  of  inaction,  so  galling  to  his  feelings, 
by  the  reflection  that  he  was  chaining  down  a  large  force  of 
the  enemy  from  doing  further  mischief.    It  is  said  that,  as  in 
a  similar  case  on  the  coast  of  South  America,  the  captain  of 
one  of  the  American  frigates  sent  a  challenge  to  the  com- 
mander of  one  of  the  English  squadron,  to  run  out  a  few 
miles  from  the  port,  and  meet  with  equal  force  in  regular 
naval  duel.  Commodore  Decatur  endorsing  on  the  back  of 


m 


28o 


NEW  LONDON  AND  STONINGTON 


the  challenge,  that  it  was  with  his  sanction,  pledging  his 
honor    that    no    assistance  should   be  afforded  the   Amer- 
ican  frigate,  but  that  she  should   abide  the  result  of   the 
conflict,  provided  Commodore  Hardy  would  guarantee  the 
same  on  his    part.      The  British  Commodore    sent   in,   in 
reply,    that     he     forbade     the     acceptance     of     the   chal- 
lenge',    for,    although     he     felt     perfect      conBdence      in 
the    bravery     and    skill    of    his     officers     and     men,     he 
could  not  justify  himself  to  his  country  in  allowing  a  mere 
spirit   of  chivalry  to  prevent  his  annoying  his  enemy  by 
every  means  in  his  power.      Hardy  was  a  fine,  hearty  old 
gentleman,  and,   Saxon-like,  went   into   his   work,  because 
it  was  work,  and  had  got  to  be  done.     He  was  quite  popular 
with  the  people  along  the  shores  of  New  England,  from  the 
fact  that  he  never  wantonly  injured  individuals.     He  had, 
withal,  a  large  share   of  humor.     At  the  bombardment   of 
Stonington,  where,   with   a  couple  of   old   iron   cighteens, 
whose  cartridges,  in  default  of  other  flannel,   were    made 
from  the  petticoats  presented  by  the  women,  he  saw  through 
his  glass  the  boys  scampering  after  the  bombs  as  they  fell, 
frequently  pulling  out  the  fuses  before  they  could  explode, 
while  a  raw  countryman  in  his  tow  frock  was  whoaing  and 
geeing  his  oxen  among  the  shot  and  shells,  picking  them  up 
and  throwing  them  into  the  cart  as  a  good  speculation,  with 
as  much  coolness  as  if  they  had  been  pumpkins  in  his  own 
cornfield.    This  tickled  the  old  gentleman's  fancy  immensely, 
and  the  next  day  an  officer  coming  in  with  a  flag  was  directed 
to  ask  the  authorities  whether  they  would  sell  some  shot. 
The  "  Selectmen,"  with  equal  humor  and  shrewdness,  replied 
that,  "if  the  Commodore  would  send  them  in  some  powder, 
they  would  return  him  his  shot  gratis  on  its  receipt." 


NEIV  LONDON  AND  STONING  TON 


28[ 


Long  before  day,  our  steamer  had  performed  her  devoir, 
and  was  lying  still  at  the  side  of   the  Stonington  pier,  her 
Eastern  passengers  transferred  to  the  cars,  hurrying  with 
even  greater  velocity  over  terra-firma  than  they  had  been 
on    the    aqueous    element.       As    the     day     dawned,     we 
that      were     destined      for     Newport,    were      transferred 
with      our     luggage      to      the      ^^-hican,    a     large     and 
powerful  boat,  and    were  soon  again   reaching  out  toward 
the  ocean,  rising  and   falling  gracefully  on  its  long  swell, 
as    we   approached  that  terror  to  all  sea-sick  passengers, 
"  Point  Judith."     The    white  lighthouse  shone  bright  and 
lonely  in  the  morning  sun  ;  and  as  we  emerged  from  break- 
fast 'the   beautiful   and   peculiar  shores   of   Rhode   Island 
opened  to  our  view.     The  rounded  gray  rocks,  presentmg 
an  impenetrable  barrier  to  the  ocean  waves,  were  covered 
to  the  very  edge  with  a  carpet  of  verdure  green  as  emerald 
and  velvet-like  in  texture,  while  flocks  of  sheep  and  cattle, 
grouped  here  and  thereupon  its  surface,  afforded  lovely  pic- 
tures of  still  life.     The  entire  absence  of  trees,  save   some 
of  recent  growth,  those  that  had  previously  wooded  its  sur- 
face having  been  cut  down  by  the  armies  of  the  Revolution 
left  the  view  unobstructed  as  far  as  the  eye  could  roam,  and 
the  exquisite  clearness  of   the  atmosphere  gave  the  vault 
above  the  hue  of  the  sapphire.     As  we  ran  up  through  the 
outer  roads,  the  surf  was  breaking  high  upon  that  most  dan- 
gerous  ridge  of  rocks,  known  by  many  a  tale  of  disaster  as 
.^Brentons  Reef,"  on  our  right;    while  the  shores  of  Con- 
necticut, with  the  "Dumplings,"  masses  of  rude  rock  seamed 
and  gashed    by  the  wear    of   the  elements  for  ages,  were 
on  our  left-the  summit  of  one  of    the  latter   surmounted 
with    the  already  crumbling   ruins    of   a   circular  fortress 


i 


'^V^' 


U    i 


l:-v4K|r'?: 


m... 


m- 


282 


NEW  LONDON  AND  STONINGTON 


from  which  it  was    intended    in    the   last    war   to    furnish 
John  Bull  with  a  supply  hot  enough  of   that  proverbially 

indigestible  food. 

As   we  passed  along  up  the  channel,  the   fishermen    in 
their  fishing-boats  lazily  looked  over  their  shoulders  at  us, 
as  they  pulled  in  their  tautog  and  bass  (their  light  shallops 
rising  and  falling    gently  in    the    long   swell),   enjoying    a 
freedom    from    care   and  a  pleasure  in  existence  to  which 
the  lordly  nabob  is  a  stranger.    The  magnificent  fortifica- 
tion   which,    when    completed,    will    mount  five   hundred 
cannon,  was   soon    before  us,  and,  shooting  into  the  inner 
harbor,  we  were  ere   long   ensconced  with    bag  and   bag- 
gage,  rolling  in   a  comfortable   coach  up  the  long  wharf, 
into  the  ancient  and  unique  town  of  Newport. 


THE  BLIND  OFFICER. 


["  The  hand  of  the  reaper 

Takes  the  ears  that  are  hoary, 
But  the  voice  of  the  weeper 
Wails  manhood  in  glory."] 

A  FEW  years  since  might  occasionally  be  met,  prome- 
nading Broadway,  in  the  city  of  New  York,  a  man 
of  fine  appearance,  in  the  prime  of  life,  of  remarkably 
erect  and  soldierlike  carriage  (usually  clad  in  mihtary  un- 
dress, his  eyes  covered  with  large  green  glasses),  led  by  a 
young  lad,  or  supported  on  the  arm  of  a  friend,  whose  mili- 
tary port  and  handsome  person,  aside  from  the  peculiar 
bearing  of  a  blind  man,  almost  necessarily  attracted  the  at- 
tention  of  the  passer-by.     We  allude  to  the  late  Captain 
Henry  W.  Kennedy,  and  in  so  doing  know  that  we  shall  re- 
Vive  his  memory  in  the  recollection  of  many  warm  friends 
who,  while  they  recall  his  generous  and  noble  quahties  will 
sigh  at  his  premature   withdrawal  from   the  stage  of   hfe. 
To  those  friends,  the  following  brief  sketch  of  his  career 
may  not  be  uninteresting. 

He  was  born  in  Pennsylvania,  and  with  his  parents  re- 
moved during  his  infancy  to  the  West  Indies,  where  his 
earlier  days  were  passed.  Returning  to  his  country  while 
yet  in  his  boyhood,  he  was  deprived  by  death  of  their  pro- 
tection,  and  left  alone  in  the  world  without  a  single  blood 
relation.    At  the  age  of  nineteen  he  determined  to  adopt 


li'S' 


284  ^^^  BLIND  OFFICER 

the  military  profession,  and  having  received  a  commission 
as  lieutenant  in  the  United  States  marine  corps,  soon  after 
sailed  in  a  frigate  for  the  Mediterranean,  where  he  expected 
to  take  part  in  the  war  with  the  Barbary  powers  ;  but  be- 
fore he  arrived  on  the  field  of  contest,  the  pride  of  the 
Ottomite  had  been  humbled,  and  the  stars  and  stripes  floated 
over  the  crimson  flag  of  the  corsair  states,  Tripoli,  Tunis, 
Algiers  and  Morocco  having  all  been  forced  to  uncondition- 
al submission.  Returning  to  the  United  States,  he  found 
the  enthusiasm  of  the  country  awakened  by  the  Patriot 
revolution  in  South  America,  and,  impatient  of  the  dullness 
and  inactivity  of  peace,  with  a  number  of  other  adventurous 
spirits  resigned  his  commission,  embraced  their  cause, 
and,  accepting  highly  flattering  propositions  from  one  of  the 
distinguished  leaders,  sailed,  with  the  rank  of  captain,  for 
that  country.  His  cool  judgment  and  intrepidity  soon  made 
him  conspicuous,  and  it  was  not  long  before  he  received, 
from  his  desperate  and  adventurous  courage,  the  sobriquet 
of  the  ''Gallo  Ingles;'  or  ''English  Game-cock;'  the  people  of 
that  country  not  making  any  distinction  between  the  North 
Americans  and  the  English,  deeming  all  who  spoke  the  lan- 
guage Britons.  He  received  accession  of  rank,  and  was 
engaged  in  a  number  of  actions,  and  his  adventures  and 
hair-breadth  escapes,  in  the  battles  with  the  Spaniards  and 
Royalist  party,  would  almost  afford  material  for  a  volume 
of  romance. 

The  appearance  of  the  wild  native  cavalry  which  he  com- 
manded was  picturesque  in  the  extreme.  His  particular 
corps  was  clad  in  a  costume  made  of  tiger-skins,  their  hel- 
mets representing  the  head  of  the  ferocious  animal— a  silk 
handkerchief,  twisted  so  tightly  as  to  turn  the  edge  of  a 


THE  BLIND  OFFICER 


285 


! 


saber,  knotted  round  their  necks.      Dashing  in  at  the  head 
of  these  wild  warriors,  he  would  lead  them  into  the  thickest 
of  the  fight,  cheering  them  on  by  his  voice,  "  but  rarely,"  to 
use  his  own  words,  "  taking  any  part  in  the  butchery,  other 
than  to  ward  off  the  attacks  made  personally  upon  himself." 
The  character  of  the  warfare  partook  of  that  ferocity  which 
appears  to  have  pertained  always  to  the  Spanish  arms,  form- 
ing such  an  anomaly  to  their  lofty,  high-minded,  and  gener- 
ous qualities;  and  the  heart  sickens  at  the  savage  fury  that, 
under  the  sanction  of  the  sacred  garb  of  contest  for  liberty, 
prevailed  in  their  conflicts. 

Neither  party,  as  a  general  rule,  gave  or  received  quar- 
ter, and  it  was  at  the  risk  of  his  own  life  that  he,  in  several 
instances,  succeeded  in  saving  the  lives  of  the  vanquished.  In 

one  case,  a  Spanish  cadet,  of  noble  family,  besought  his  pro- 
tection  on  the  battle-field,  and,  reckless  of  the   danger  of 
being  shot  down  by  his  own  excited  soldiery,  he  mounted 
the  young  officer  behind  him,  and,  galloping  out  of  the  ac- 
tion, conveyed  him  to  a  place  of  security.     But  perhaps  the 
following  incident,  one  of  many  related  by  him,  may  give  a 
more  distinct  idea  of  the  character  of  the  warfare  waged 
upon  that  unhappy  soil.  In  an  action  where,  after  very  severe 
fighting,  the  Patriot  party  had  been  successful,  and  the  Span- 
ish   defeated,   his   attention  was  attracted   by   an   isolated 
group,  where  a  very  powerful  negro   soldier  was  defending 
himself  with  his  musket  against  the  attack  of  a  half-dozen 
Patriot  dragoons,  who  were  dashing  like  hawks  around  him, 
endeavoring  to  cut  him  down  with  their  sabers.     The  black 
knew  that  his  case  was  hopeless,  and  was  apparently  deter- 
mined to  sell  his  life  at  as  dear  a  rate  as  possible.      The 
swords  of  the  troopers    occasionally  took  effect,   causing 


286 


THE  BLIND  OFFICER 


deep  gashes  and  flesh-wounds,  from  which  the  blood 
streamed  profusely  ;  but  the  thick  wool  of  his  head  had  the 
same  effect  as  the  hair-crests  on  the  helmets  of  our  cav- 
airy,  turning  the  edge  of  their  sabers,  which  glanced  off, 
inflicting  comparatively  slight  wounds.  The  contest  con- 
tinued for  some  time,  the  negro  bleeding  from  twenty 
gashes,  while  Captain  K.  was  obliged  to  remain  a  mute 
spectator  of  the  scene,  any  attempt  at  his  rescue  being 
almost  equivalent  to  his  own  destruction.  At  length  a 
Patriot  officer,  deeming  it  a  mercy  to  put  him  out  of 
pain,  put  spurs  to  his  horse,  and,  galloping  in,  gave  him  the 
cout  de  grace,  ending  the  barbarous  and  unequal  combat. 

After  four  years  of  hardship,  adventure,  and  battle,  now 
victor  and  now  vanquished,  now  stimulated  by  the  cause 
of  freedom  and  now  disgusted  by  the  atrocities  of  savage 
warfare,  the  recital  of  which  would  fill  a  volume  (which 
might  perhaps  be  useful  to  those  who,  ignorant  of  its 
horrors,  are  so  ready  to  throw  down  the  gauntlet  and  rush 
into  the  fell  arena),  he  was  severely  wounded  and  his 
military  career  terminated  on  the  plains  of  Cordova. 
The  party  of  which  he  was  the  leader  had  been  victo- 
rious, and  the  enemy  were  in  full  retreat.  Halting  his 
horse  for  a  moment,  he  had  loosened,  the  rein,  and  was 
bending  forward  for  some  purpose  on  his  neck,  when  he 
found  himself  enveloped  in  utter  darkness.  He  clapped 
his  hand  to  his  head,  supposing  that  he  had  been  struck  by 
a  ball  across  the  forehead,  and  that  the  blood  flowing  from 
the  wound  had  thus  deprived  him  of  sight. 

"  His  clotted  locks  b«  backward  threw, 
Across  his  brow  his  hand  he  drew, 
From  blood  and  mist  to  ekat  his  sight," 


THE  BLIND  OFFICER 


287 


But  the  next  instant  betrayed  to  him  too  well  his  dreadful 
loss.  The  blessed  light  of  the  sun  was  thenceforth  to  be  to 
him  a  stranger  ;  the  green  fields,  the  blue  skies, "  the  plumed 
troop"  with  "all  the  pride.the  pomp  and  circumstance  of  war," 
were  to  be  forever  shut  out  from  him  ;  the  smile  of  friend- 
ship, the  scowl  of  enmity,  to  be  alike  unheeded  ;  youth's 
glowing    hopes    were    quenched —  "  Othello's   occupation 

gone ! 

A  spent  ball,  entering  his  left  eye,  had  torn  it  from  its 
socket,  passed  through  the  bones  of  his  nose,  and  buried 
itself  in  the  right  orbit,  distorting  the  eye  and  destroying 
its  vision  forever.     A  soldier  who  was  near  him  at  the  time 
said  that  he  saw  him  eject  the  ball  from  his  mouth  with  the 
blood,  and  although  Drs.  Hosack,  Rogers,  and  Mott  gave  it 
as  their  opinions,  after  his  return  to  this  country,  that  the 
ball  was  still  in  the  right  orbit,  behind  the  eye,   he  was 
incredulous  as  to  the  fact.     (The  risk  of  inflammation  attend- 
ing the  operation,  with  the  exceeding  uncertainty  and  im- 
probability of  any  benefit  being  derived,  prevented  the  trial 
suggested   by  those   gentlemen  to  ascertain  it.)    With  his 
usual  self-collectedness,  he  sent  for  the  officer  next  in  com- 
mand,  and   gave  him  the   conduct  of  his  party  and  his  in- 
structions ;  but,  in  a  few  days  after,  they  were  in  their  turn 
defeated,  and  most  of  the   officers  made  prisoners  by  the 
Spaniards,   Captain  Kennedy  among  the  number,  helpless 
fror.1   his  wounds.     They  were  subsequently  conveyed  to 
Callao,  and  imprisoned  in   one   of  the  castles,  from  which 
every  few  days  some  were  marched  out  and  shot. 

While  imprisoned,  among  others  who  took  an  interest  in 
bira  was  the  officer  in  command  of  the  castle.  His  fate 
hung  aome  time  in  suspense,  and  his  request  of  the  officer 


ii! 


288 


THE  BLIND  OFFICER 


was  not  a  little  characteristic  of  the  man.     "  I  beg,"  said  he, 
-  that  when  mv  time  comes  I  may  not  be  shot  like  a  dog  in 
the  castle  ditch,  but  that  I  may  be  allowed   to  march  out 
and  meet  my  fate  like  a  soldier  and  a  man."    This  the  offi- 
cer promised,  and  not  long  after  his   prison   doors  were 
opened,  and,  preceded  by  a  band  of  music  and  a  military 
guard,  he  was  conducted  out  into  the  public //«^«  for  execu- 
tion.     A  regiment,  forming  three  sides  of  a  hollow  square, 
was  drawn  up,  and,  standing  in  the  center  with  a  bandage 
tied  around  his  eyes  (to  him  useless  precaution),  he  awaited 
his  fate.     He  heard  the  voice  of  the  officer,  and  step  of  the 
firing  party  as  they  marched  out  from  the  ranks ;  he  heard 
their^approach  and  halt  within  a  few  paces,  the  orders  dis- 
tinctly given,  the  jar  of  the  muskets  as  they  came  to  an  aim, 
and  the  next  moment  expected  to  be  in  eternity,  when  the 
officer  read  from  a  paper  in  his  hand  that,  in  consideration 
of  the  blindness  of  the  prisoner,  and  his  inability  to  do  any 
further  injury  to  the  Royal  cause,  the  Governor  had  been 
pleased  to  pardon  him.     He  had  so  made  up  his  mind  to  his 
fate,  and  his  situation  was  so  utterly  desolate,  that,  to  use 
his  own  words,  he  "received  the  information  without  emo- 
tion, and  without  the  quickening  of  a  pulse." 

Turned  thus  adrift,  without  friends,  or  money,  or  shelter, 
his  situation  was  truly  deplorable ;  and  if  it  had  not  been 
for  the  assistance  afforded  by  a  young  Spanish  girl,  whose 
compassion  was  aroused  for  him,  and  other  casual  charities, 
he  must  have  perished  of  want.  One  morning,  standing  in 
the  street,  his  ear  was  struck  by  a  voice  which  appeared 
familiar,  and  at  a  venture  he  called  to  the  passer,  ^^  Ramsay, 
is  that  you?"  "My  heavens!  Kennedy,  is  Xh^t  yotcT  after 
a    moment's  surprise,  replied    the   person    addressed;  aid 


THE  BUND  OFFICER 


289 


in  another  moment  he  was  in  the  embrace  of  his  friend, 
Lieutenant  Ramsay,  of  the  U.  S.  Ship  Constellation.  The 
frijjate  had  arrived  in  the  bay ;  and  in  a  few  hours,  clothed, 
and  fully  provided  for,  he  was  welcomed  by  his  brother 
officers,  and  received  into  the  ward-room  mess.  He  re- 
mained some  time  on  board  the  frigate,  and  in  her  returned 
to  the  United  States.  Arriving  here,  the  marine  corps  took 
their  old  comrade  under  their  protection,  until  government 
provided  for  his  wants,  by  appointing  him  sutler  at  the 
Brooklyn  Navy  Yard,  an  office  which  he  could  perform  by 

deputy. 

His  firm  and  patient  deportment,  his  cheerful  and  uncom- 
plaining disposition,  and  his  high-minded  and  generous  sen- 
timents, attracted  around  him  a  crowd  of  admiring  friends, 
among  whom  were  many  of  the  more  gentle  sex,  whose 
sympathies  were  strongly  excited  by  his  situation.     As  was 
said  in  the  earlier  part  of  this  sketch,  he  was  without  a  rela- 
tive on  the  earth,  but  his  general  information,  and  powers  of 
entertainment,  drew  around  him  many  to  supply  their  place, 
and  his  rooms  were  the  regular  lounge  of  his  brother  offi- 
cers and   other  friends  (among  whom  were  many  men  of 
talent  and  standing),  who  always  found  him  in  uniform  good 
humor  and  cheerfulness.     He  never  alluded  to  the  calamity 
which  had  befallen  him,  unless  questioned  upon  the  subject, 
and  then  spoke  of  it  with  as  much  coolness  and  equanimity 
as  if  he  had  no  particular  interest  in  the  affair.     The  ball,  a 
heavy  ounce  musket  ball,  was  taken,  after  his  death,  from  the 
socket  of  the  eye,  in  whose  orbit  it  had  been  so  long  buried, 
confirming  the  opinion  of  the  surgeons.     Singular  as  it  may 
seem,  it  gave  him  no  uneasiness,  but  if  it  had  gone  the  six- 
teenth  part  of  an  inch  further,  he  must  have  been  instantly 


1 1 


mi 


\\ 


II- 


290 


THE  BLIND  OFFICER 


killed,  when   he  received   the  wound   on  the  plains  of  Cor- 

dova. 

But  his  term  of  life  was  measured,  and  he  was  not  des- 
tined to  reach  the  three  score  years  and  ten  of  man's  alloted 
pilgrimage.     After  having  been  stationed  about  two  years 
at  the  navy  yard,  a  complaint  of  the  heart,  an  enlargement 
and  ossification  set  in,  and  after  six  or  eight  months  of  most 
intense   and  agonizing  suffering,  which  he  bore   with   his 
characteristic  fortitude,  and  in  the  intervals  of  the  paroxysms 
of  which  his  voice  was  heard,  with  the  same  kindness  and 
concern,  in  inquiries  for  the  interests  of  his  friends,  he  grad- 
ually sank  and  expired,  aged  thirty-two  years.    Though  his 
pillow  was  smoothed  by  no  wife,  nor  mother,  nor  sister, 
there  were  not  wanting  warm  friends  to  bend  over  his  bed- 
side and  soothe  him  in  the  hour  of  his  last  sad  journey  ;  and 
as  they  stood  around  him,  and  beheld  the  manly  form,  from 
which  the  spirit  defeated  had  fled,  lying  cold  and  still,  re- 
leased  from  its  conflict  with  pain  and  agony,  the  counten- 
ance  tranquil  as  was  its  wont,  and  calm,  they  could  not  but 
feel  that,  "  after  life's  fitful  fever,  he  slept  welir 

It  was  on  the  afternoon  of  Sunday,  the  day  following  his 
death,  that  a  coffin,  shrouded  in  the  American  flag,  borne 
upon  the  shoulders  of  soldiers,  preceded  by  the  guard  of 
marines,  with  arms  reversed,  and  followed  by  a  long  pro- 
cession  of  sailors  and  citizens,  passed  from  the  marine  bar- 
racks, the  instruments  of  music  wailing  a  mournful  dirge, 
amid  the  continuous  and  melancholy  roll  of  the  muffled 
drums,  as  it  slowly  and  solemnly  moved  upon  its  journey 
along  the  avenue  to  the  Episcopal  cemetery.     As  it  pro- 
ceeded, numbers  of  sympathizing  spectators  joined  and  fol- 
lowed  in  the  procession,  and  me  sott  jv^aovr  r»^v.o. 


THE  BLIND  OFFICER 


291 


dining  autumnal  sun  appeared  to  throw,  as  if  in  unison,  a 
sad  and  congenial  light  upon  the  scene.     Arrived  at  the  gate 
of  the  cemetery,  the  guard  halted  and  opened  to  the  right 
and  left,  their  hands  clasped  on  the  reversed  butts  of  their 
muskets,  the  muzzles  of  which   rested  at  their  feet,  their 
bronzed  and  weather-beaten  countenances  bent  sorrowfully 
upon  the  ground,  and  preceded  by  the  chaplain,  wrapped  in 
its  country's  flag,  all  that  remained  of  the  gallant  soldier 
passed  forward  to  its  final  resting-place.    The  group  collected 
around  the  grave,  and  the  coffin  was  lowered  and  rested  upon 
the  bottom  of  the  sepulchre.    The  beautiful  and  consoling 
service  of  the  church  was  said,  and  many  a  heart  among  the 
mourners  responded  to  the  hollow  jar  of  the  sods  as  they 
fell  upon  the  coffin  lid.    "  Ashes  to  ashes  "—and  the  religious 
services  were  ended.    The  crowd,  with  uncovered  heads, 
still  stood  looking  wistfully  and  mournfully  into  the  narrow 
pit,  when  the  silence  was  broken  by  the  stern  "  Forward!  " 
of  the  officer,  and  the  measured  heavy  tramp  of  the  soldiers 
of  the  guard  was  heard  rustling  and  pressing  down  the  long 
grass  as  they   approached.    The  crowd  opened,  and  the 
swarthy   veterans   halted  and   stood   statue-like  in   double 
ranks  beside  the  grave.     A  momentary  clang  of  arms,  the 
same  voice  was  heard,  and  a  sheet  of  flame,  followed  by  the 
sudden  peal  of  musketry,  glanced  over  the  soldier's  sepulchre. 
Another    volley,  and    another,  echoed    among  the   silent 
chambers  of  the  dead,  and  their  stern  farewell  was  said.    The 
white  smoke  wreathed  mournfully,  and  hung  above  the  mon- 
uments as  if  reluctant  to  take  its  departure,  when  the  col- 
umn \.    .eled,  and  again  was  heard  their  heavy  tramp  re- 
treating through  the  hollow   graves  to  the  outlet  of  the 
cemetery.     A  few  moments  more,  and  we  saw  the  beams 


1  ^,  ■ 


!!|;i 


292 


THE  BLIND  OFFICER 


of  the  setting  sun  dancing  around  their  bayonets,  as  with 
quick  step  they  were  returning  to  their  quarters.  The 
crowd  and  mourners  slowly  retired,  and  on  the  narrow 
mound  then  left  alone,  now  lies  a  marble  tablet  inscribed, 
"  Here  rest  the  remains  of  Henry  W.  Kennedy ^ 


GREENWOOD  CEMETERY. 


WHERE,  THEN,  is  DEATH  ?— and  my  own  voice  startled 
me  from  my  reverie,  as,  leaning  on  my  saddle-bow 
on  the  summit  of  an  elevation  in  the  Greenwood 
Cemetery,  I  asked  :  Where,  then,  is  death  ?  The  golden  sun  of 
a  summer's  afternoon  was  streaming  o'er  the  undulating  hills 
of  Staten  Island,  lighting  more  brilliantly  the  snow-white 
villas  and  emerald  lawns ;  the  Lazaretto,  its  fleet  gay  with  the 
flags  of  all  the  nations,  was  nestling  like  a  fairy  city  at  its 
feet ;  the  noble  bay  before  me  was  one  great,  polished  mirror, 
motionless  vessels,  with  white  sails  and  drooping  pennants, 
resting  on  its  surface  Uke  souls  upon  the  ocean  of  eternity, 
and  everything  around  was  bright,  and  still,  and  beautiful, 
as  I  asked  myself  the  question :   Where,  then,  is  death  ? 

The  islands  with  their  military  works  lay  calm  and 
motionless  upon  the  waters  ;  the  grim  artillery,  like  sleeping 
tigers,  crouched  upon  the  ramparts  and  the  castle's  walls, 
but  the  glistening  of  the  sentry's  polished  musket,  and  the 
sudden,  clamorous  roll  of  drums,  showed  me  that— «^/  there 

was  death. 

1  turned.  The  great,  fierce  city,  extending  as  far  as  eye 
could  reach,  the  sky  fretted  with  her  turrets  and  her  spires, 
her  thousand  smokes  rising  and  mingling  with  the  o'erhang- 
ing  clouds,  as  she  rose  above  her  bed  of  waters,  with  hoarse, 
continuous  roar,  cried  to  me  :  "  Look  not  here,  not  here,  for 
death  !  "     Her  sister  city,  with  her  towers  and  cupolas— her 


'hi 


j  ' 


J 


294 


GREENWOOD  CEMK TER  Y 


1 

I; 

lii 


grassy  esplanades  surmounted  with  verdant  trees  and  far- 
extending  colonnades  embowered  in  shrubbery— from  her 
high  terraced  walls,  re-echoed  the  hollow  roar :  "  Not  iicrc 

for  death  !  " 

The  island  lay  extended  far  before  me,  its  farms  and 
towns,  its  modest  spires,  its  granaries,  its  verdant  meadows, 
its  rich  cultivated  fields,  its  woods,  its  lawns,  all  wrapped  in 
silence  ;  but  still  its  whisper  softly  reached  me  :  "  Not  here; 
not  here,  is  death  !  "  E'en  the  great,  distant  ocean,  closed 
only  from  my  view  by  the  far-reaching  horizon,  in  sullen, 
continuous  murmurs  moaned :  "  Not  here  is  death  !  " 

Where,  then,  I  cried— w/z^r^,  then,  is  death  ?  I  looked 
above  me,  and  the  blue  vault  hung  pure  and  motionless ; 
light,  fleecy  clouds,  like  angels  on  their  journeys,  alone  rest- 
ing  on  its  cerulean  tint ;  around,  the  evening  breeze  played 
calm  and  gently,  and  beneath,  the  flowers  and  leaves  were 
quivering  with  delight,  while  the  incessant  hum  of  insect 
life  arising  from  the  earth  witli  ceaseless  voice  still  cried: 
"  No,  no;   not  here  is  death  !  " 

Ah !  said  I  ;  this  beautuui  world  shall  be  forever,  and 
there  is— there  is  no  death  ;  but,  even  as  I  spoke  a  warning 
voice  struck  with  deep  solemnity  upon  my  startled  ear: 
"  Man  that  is  born  of  woman  hath  but  a  short  time  to  live, 
and  is  full  of  misery.  He  cometh  up  and  is  cut  down  like  a 
flower ;  he  fleeth  as  it  were  a  shadow,  and  never  continueth 
in  one  stay."  And  as  I  turned,  the  funeral  procession,  its 
minister  and  its  mourners,  passed  onward  in  their  journey 
with  the  silent  dead. 

I  looked  after  the  retiring  group,  and  again  from  beyond 
the  coppice  which  intervened,  heard  rising  in  the  same  deep, 
solemn   tones :  "  Write,  from   henceforth,  blessed   are  the 


GREEN  iVOOD  CEME  TER  V 


295 


dead  who  die  in  the  Lord:  even  sosaith  the  Spirit,  for  they 

rest  from  their  labors."     And  my  soul  cowered  within  itself 

like  a  guilty  thing,  as  it  said,  Amen ! 

I  looked  again  upon  the  scene  before  me  and  sighed ; 

e'en  such  is  human  reason.     That  gorgeous  sun  shall  set,  the 
gay  villas  and  verdant  lawns,  the  crowded  shipping,  the 
beautiful  bay  with  all  that  rest  upon  its  bosom,  shall  soon  be 
wrapped  indarkness,  the  gleaming  watch-light  disappear  from 
yon  tall  battlement,  as  the  bugle  sounds  its  warning  note, 
the  great  fierce  city  be  stilled  in  silence,  while  the  beatmg 
hearts  within  her  midnight  shroud,  like  seconds,  answer  her 
tolling  bells  upon  the  dial  of  eternity,  and  the  insect  myriads, 
the  flowers  and  leaves,  ay !  the  great  heavens  themselves, 
shall  from    the  darkness    cry,   "  T/ns  is  the  portraiture  of 
death  !  "-for  the  darkness  and  the  silence  are  all  that  man 

can  realize  of  death. 

The  hardy  Northman  with  trembling  finger  points  to  the 
mouldering  framework  of  humanity,  and  shudders  as  he 
cries  -Lo'  there  is  death  !"  and  the  polished  Greek  smiles 
delightedly  on  the  faultless  statue  of  the  lovely  woman  with 
the  infant  sleeping  on  her  breast,  as  he  also  cries, ''  Lo  !  there 
is  death  '  "  yet  both  alike,  with  reverence,  do  lay  their  final 
offering  before  his  gloomy  shrine.     The  squalid  Esquimaux 
scoops  out  the  cavern  in  the  never-melting  snows,  for  the 
frozen  form  whose  conflicts  with  the  grizzly  bear  and  shud- 
dering cold  are  done ;  and  the  mild  Hindoo,  with  affection, 
feeds  the  funeral  pyre,  and  as  the  fragrant  column  does  arise, 
cries  -  Soul  of  my  brother-immortal  soul,  ascend  !        1  he 
red  man,  in  the  far  distant  prairie's  lonely  wilds,  pillows  the 
head  of  the  warrior-chief  upon  his  slain  desert  steed  within 
its  mound,  while  the  bronzed  pioneer,  throwing  aside  his  axe 


I'tl 


296 


GREENWOOD  CEMETERY 


Hill 


PI 


Im 


and  rifle,  hastily  dashes  away  the  tear  as  he  inhumes  beneath 
its  flowery  bed  his  scar-marked  comrade's  form. 

The  sechided  village  hamlet,  with  pious  care,  within  the 
quiet  grove,  encloses  a  resting-place  for  its  silent  few,  dis- 
appearing at  long  inter /als;  and  here  those  great  living 
cities  have  chosen  this  silent  city  for  their  dead  ;  falling  like 
the  forest  leaves  in  autumn. 

For  the  great  army,  who  must,  ere  long,  march  forth  to 
ground  their  arms  before  the  grim  and  ghastly  Conqueror, 
'twere  difficult  to  find  more  beautiful  and  lovely  resting- 
place.     E'en  the  sad  mourner  lingers  as  he  beholds  its  broad 
and  lovely  lawns.,  stretched  out  in  calm  serenity  before  him ; 
its  sylvan  waters  in  l.ieir  glassy  stillness;  its  antique  elms, 
arching  with  extended  branches  the  long,  secluded  lanes; 
its  deep,  romantic  glens;   its  rolling  mounds,  and  all  its 
varied  scenery,  ere  with  a  softened  sadness  he  turns  him  to 
his  desolate  and  melancholy  home.     Spirits  of  our  departed 
ones !  we  know  that  you  have  gone  forth  from  your  human 
habitations,  and  that  we  shad  behold  your  loved  forms  no 
more  forever ;  therefore  will  we  lay  your  deserted  temples 
within  this  consecrated  ground,  and,  in  imagination,  fondly 
see  you  sleeping  still  in  tranquility   beneath  its  green  and 

silent  sward ! 

But  lo!  where  upon  the  broad  and  verdant  lawn,  the 
loose  clods  and  dark  black  mould  heaped  carelessly  aside, 
the  narrow  pit  awaits,  ere  it  close  again  from  light,  its  tenant 
in  his  dark  and  narrow  house.  The  sorrowing  group  col- 
lect around,  and  the  pall  slowly  drawn  aside,  one  moment 
more  exhibits  to  the  loved  ones  the  pallid  countenance  of 
him  about  to  be  hidden  from  their  sight  forever.  The  weep- 
ing widow,  in  her  dark  habiliments,  leans  upon  the  arm  of 


GREENWOOD  CEMETERY 


297 


the  stern,  sad  brother,  her  little  ones  clinging  to  her  raiment 
in  mingled  awe  and  admiration  of  the  scene  before  them. 
"  Ashes  to  ashes,"  she  writhes  in  anguish,  as  the  heavy  clods 
fall  with  hollow,  unpitying  jar  upon  the  coffin  lid— how  like 
a  lifeless  thing  she  hangs  upon  the  supporting  arm  in  which 
her  countenance  is  buried  in  agony  unutterable ;  and  see  the 
little  ones,  their  faces  streaming  with  wondering  tears,  clasp- 
ing her  hands ;  how  in  happy  ignorance,  they  innocently, 
with  fond  endearing  names,  still  call  upon  him  to  arise. 

But  the  narrow  grave  is  filled,  the  mourning  group  has 
gone  the  evening  shadows  fall,  the  declining  sun  sinks  be- 
neath  his  gorgeous  bed  in  the  horizon,  and  in  the  thickening 
twilight  the  dead  lies  in  his  mound-alone.    The  night  ad- 
vances, the  stars  arise,  and  the  joyous  constellations  roll 
high  onward  in  their  majestic  journeys  in  the  o'erhanging 
heavens,  but  beneath,  the  tenant  of  the  fresh-filled  grave  lies 
motionless  and  still.     The  morning  sun  appears,  the  dew, 
like  diamonds,  glitters  on  every  leaf  and  blade  of  grass,  the 
birds  joyously  carol,  and  the  merry  lark,  upon  the  very 
mound  itself,  sends  forth  his  cheerful  note  ;  but  all  is  hushed, 
in  silence,  to  the  tenant  who  in  his  unbroken  slumber  sleeps 
within      The  Autumn  comes,  and  the  falling  leaves  whirl 
withered  from  the  tree^ops,  and  rustle  in  the  wind;  the 
Winter,  and  the  smooth  broad  plain  lies  covered  with  its 
pure   and   spotless   cloak  of  driven   snow,  and  the   lowly 
mound  is  hid  from  sight,  and  shows  not  in  the  broad  mid- 
day  sun.  nor  e'en  at  midnight,  when  the  silver  moon  sailing 
onward  in  her  chaste  journey  turns  the  icicles  into  glittering 
gems  on  the  o'erhanging  branches  as  they  bend  piotectingly 
towards  it.    The  Spring  breathes   warmly,  and   the   httle 
mound  lies  green  again  ;  and  now  the  mother,  bending  o'er 


¥:      V\ 


1  ,  i; 


liil 


'ill 


!   H 


298 


GREENWOOD  CEMETERY 


it,  lifts  the  rose  and  twines  the  myrtle,  while  the  little  ones 
in  joyous  glee  from  the  surrounding  meadows  bring  wild 
flowers  and  scatter  them  in  unison  upon  its  borders.  Then, 
were  consciousness  within,  would  the  glad  tenant  smile. 

But  let  him,  whose  tears  as  yet  fall  not  for  any  dear  one 
beneath  its  sod,  ascend  again  with  me  the  Mount,  and  with 
retrospective  gaze  behold  the  living  drama  which  has  passed 
before  it.     The  great  world  around,  the  stage,  lies  still  the 
same ;  but  the  actors  all  have  passed  onward  to  their  final 
rest.     Into  the  still  gleaming  past  bend  your  attentive  gaze. 
Lo !  the  features  of  the  scenery  are  still  the  same ;  the  bay's 
unruffled   bosom,  and  the  islands;   but  no  sail  now  floats 
upon  its  surface ;  no  gilded  spires  in  the  distance  loom,  nor 
does  the  busy  hum  of  man  reach  us,  as  listening  we  stand  ; 
nought  we  see  but  the   far  forest,  covering  the  main  and 
islands,  even  to   the  waters.     The  coward  wolf  howls  in 
yon  distant  glen ;  the  partridge  drums  upon  the  tree-top ; 
and  the  graceful  deer,  e'en  at  our  sides,  browse  in  conscious 
safety.    Yon  light  dot   moving  upon  the  water  ?— 'tis  the 
painted  Indian  paddling  his  canoe.     Yon  smoke  curling  on 
the   shore   beneath   us?— it  is  the  Indian's  wigwam.    The 
joyous  laugh  arising  among  the  trees?— it  is  his  squaw  and 
black-eyed  children;  the  Indian  reigns  the  lord,  reigns  free 
and  uncontrolled. 

But  look  again :  upon  the  water  floats  a  huge  and  clumsy 
galliot,  its  gay  and  gaudy  streamers  flaunting  in  the  breeze ; 
how  the  poor  savages  congregated  on  yonder  point  gaze  m 
wonder  as  it  passes,  sure  'tis  the  Great  Spirit ;  and  the  quaint 
figure  with  the  plumed  hat,  and  scarlet  hose  glistening  with 
countless  buttons,  on  its  poop  ;  some  demi-god !  and  as  she 
onward  moves,  behold  the  weather-worn  seamen's  faces  in 


GREENWOOD  CEMETERY 


299 


her  rio-ging,  how  anxiously  they  return  the  gaze.  The  forest 
children  muster  courage;  they  follow  in  their  light  canoes. 
The  galliot  nears  the  Manahattoes  ;  they  ascend  her  sides  : 
hawks-bills,  and  rings,  and  beads,  and  the  hot  strong  drink 
are  theirs ;  their  land-it  is  the  white  man's.     See  with  what 


confidence  he  ensconces  himself  upon  the  island's  borders. 
In  his  grasp  he  has  the  fish,  the  furs,  the  game-the  poor 
confiding   Indian  gives   him  all.     Lo!    the    embryo    city's 

fixed ' 
'    But  see'     Is  that  the  Dutch  boor's  cabin  at  our  feet?     Is 

that  the  Indian  seated  on  the  threshold,  while  the  Dutch- 
man  lolls  lazily  within?  Where,  where  then  is  the  Indian  s 
wigwam?     Gone! 


liM^li 


|!||    1 

!     i 


til 


300 


GREENWOOD  CEMETERY 


Look  up  again:  a  stately  fleet  moves  o'er  the  bay,  in  line 
of  battle  drawn;  the  military  music  loudly  sounds,  dark 
cannon  frown  from  within  the  gaping  ports,  and  crews  witli 
lighted  matches  stand  prepared ;  they  near  the  Manahattoes, 
and— and— the  Orange  flag  descends  ;  the  Dragon  and  St. 
George  floats  from  the  flag-staff  o'er  the  little  town.  Who 
is  the  fair-haired  man  that  drinks  with  the  Dutchman  at  his 
cottage  door,  while  the  poor  Indian  stands  submissively 
aside?  *'  It  is  the  Briton."  I  hear  the  laugh  of  youth  ;  sure 
'tis  the  Indian's  black-eyed  brood?  "'tis  the  Englishman's 
yellow-haired,  blue-eyed  children."  Alas  !  alas !  poor  forest 
wanderer;  nor  squaw,  nor  child,  nor  wigwam,  shall  here  be 
more  for  thee.     Farewell,  farewell. 


The  little  town  swells  to  a  goodly  city ;  the  forests  fall 
around  ;  the  farms  stretch  out  their  borders  ;  wains  creek 
and  groan  with  harvest  wealth ;  lordly  shipping  floats  on 


GREENWOOD  CEMETERY 


301 


the  rivers;  the  fair  haired  race  increase;  roads  mark  the 
country,  and  the  deer  and  game,  scared,  fly  the  haunts  ot 
men.     Hah  !  the  same  flag  floats  not  at  the  Manahattoes  ! 
now,    'tis    Stars  and   Stripes.     See!   crowding    across   the 
river,  men  in  dark  masses,  cannon,  muniments  of  war,  in 
boats,  on  rafts,  in  desperate  haste.     Trenches  and  ramparts 
creep  like  serpents  on  the  earth  ;  horsemen  scour  the  coun- 
try, divisions,  regiments,  take  position,  and  stalwart  yeomen 
hurrying  forward,  join  in  the  ranks  of  Liberty  !     Hear !  hear 
the  wild  confusion,  the  jar  of  wheels,  the  harsh  shrill  shriek 
of  trumpets  and  the  incessant  roll  of  drums,  the  rattling  mus- 
ketry, the  sudden  blaze  and  boom  of  cannon ;  it  is  the  roar 
of  battle— it  is  the  battle  field.     Hear  !  hear  the  distant  cry, 
"  St.  George   and   merry   England."     *'  Our   Country   and 
Liberty."     Ah  !  o'er  this  very  ground  the  conflict  passes. 
See !  the  vengeful  Briton  prostrate  falls  beneath  the  deadly 
rifle,  while  the  yeoman   masses  fade  beneath  the  howling 
cannon   shot ;  and  hark !    how   from   amid  the  sulphurous 
cloud  the  wild  "  hurrah  "  drowns  e'en  the  dread  artillery. 

The  smoke  clouds  lazily  creep  from  off  the  surface,  the 
battle's  o'er,  and  the  red-cross  banner  floats  again  upon  the 
island  of  Manahattoes,  and  now  again  the  Stars  and  Stripes 
stream  gently  in  the  breeze. 

The  past  is  gone,  the  future  stands  before  us.  Here  on 
this  spot,  once  rife  with  death,  yonder  cities  shall  lay  their 
slain  for  centuries  to  come-their  slain,  falling  in  the  awful 
contest  with  the  stern  warrior,  against  whom  human  strength 
is  nought,  and  human  conflict  vain.  Years  shall  sweep  on  in 
steady  tide,  and  these  broad  fields  be  whitened  with  countless 
sepulchres  ;  the  mounds,  covered  with  graves  where  affection 
still  shall  plant  the  flower  and  trail  the  vine.     In  the  deep 


302 


GREENWOOD  CEMETERY 


1 


valleys,  and  romantic  glens,  to  receive  their  ne'er  returning 
tenants,  the  sculptured  vaults  still  shall  roll  ope  their  mar 
ble  fronts,  and  on  this  spot,  the  stately  column  shooting  high 
in   air;   to  future  generations  tell,  the  bloody  story  of  the 

battle  field. 

All  here  shall  rest;  the  old  man,  his  silver  hairs  in  quiet, 
and  the  wailing  babe  in  sweet  repose;  the  strong  from 
fierce  conflict  with  fiery  disease,  and  bowing  submissively, 
the  poor  pallid  invalid,  the  old,  the  young,  the  strong,  the 
beautiful,  all  here  shall  rest  in  deep  and  motionless  repose. 

May  that  Being,  Infinite  and  Glorious-UNSEEN-shroud- 
ed  from  our  vision  in  the  vast  and  awful  mists  of  immeasur- 
able Eternity !  Creator!  throned  in  splendor  inconceivable, 
mid  millions  and  countless  myriads  of  worlds,  which  still 
rushing  into  being  at  his  thought,  course  their  majestic  cir- 
cles, chiming  in  obedient  grandeur  glorious  hymns  of  praise  ; 
God  of  Wisdom,  that  hast  caused  the  ethereal  spark  to  mo- 
mentarily light  frail  tenements  of  clay  ;  grant,  that  in  the 
terrors  of  final  dissolution,  we  may  meet  the  splendor  of 
the  opening  Heavens  with  steadfast  gaze,  and  relying  on  his 
love,  in  ecstasy,  still  cry-WHERE-WHERE,  then  is 
Death? 


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APPENDIX. 


t« 


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\  •! 


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ji  ji 


CONTENTS. 


*t 


Note  to  the  Resurrectionists. — Ghost  in  the  Grave  Yard. 
"     "  Old  Kennedy,  No.  i.— Lieutenant  Somers. 
'*     "  Old  Kennedy,  No.  III.—*'  The  Parting  Blessing." 
*     "  Old  Kennedy,  No.  IV.— Explosion  at  Craney  Island. 
"     "  Greenwood  Cemetery. 

"     "  Night  Attack  on  Fort  Erie— The  Officer's  Saber. 
"  Lundy's  Lane — Rainbow  of  the  Cataract. 

The  Day  after  the  Battle. 
The  two  Sergeants. 
Death  of  Captain  Hull. 
Scott's  Brigade. 
Death  of  Captain  Spencer. 
"  Lake  George. — Attack  on  Fort  Ticonderoga. 
"  Bass  Fishing.— Crew  of  the  Essex  frigate. 

Mutiny  on  board  the  Essex. 
"  Long  Island  Sound. — New  England  Traditions. 


4< 


:    X'] 


mm 


APPENDIX 


Note    to    the    Resurrectionists.— G\io?,T    IN    THE    Grave 
Yard.— In  New-England  most  of  the  burying-grounds,  as 
they  are  called,  are  at  some  distance  from  the  villages,  and 
generally  neglected  and  rude  in  their  appearance,  frequently 
overgrown   with   wild,   dank   weeds,   and    surrounded    by 
rough  stone  walls.     Dr.  W.,  a  physician,  whose  extensive 
practice  gave  him  a  large  circuit  of  country  to  ride  over,  re- 
lates that  returning  late  one  night  from  visiting  a  patient, 
who  was  dangerously  ill,  his  attention  was  attracted  by  a 
human  figure  clad  in  white,  perched  upon  the  top  of  the 
stone  wall  of  one  of  these  rustic  cemeteries.     The  moon  was 
shining   cold   and  clear,  and   he  drew  up  his  horse  for  a 
moment  and  gazed  steadily  at  the  object,  supposing  that  he 
was   laboring   under   an  optical  illusion,  but  it   remained 
immoveable  and  he  was  convinced,  however  singular  the 
position  and  the  hour,  that  his  eyesight  had  not  deceived 
him.     Being  a   man   of  strong   nerves,   he  determined   to 
examine  it,  whether  human  or  supernatural,  more  closely, 
and  leaping  his  horse  up  the  bank  of  the  road  he  proceeded 
along  the  side  of  the  fence  toward  the  object.     It  remained 
perfectly  motionless  until  he  came  opposite  and  within  a 
few  feet,  when  it  vanished  from  the  fence,  and  in  another 
instant,  with  a  piercing  shriek,  was  clinging  round  his  neck 
upon  the  horse.    This  was  too  much,  for  even  the  Doctor's 

,  .,  1  -1   .._i: :-,~  u:.^ooif  "tWH  p  violent  fixertion 

philosophy,  anu  relieving  nijiuvii    ytius  <*  \-v-i^.-i-  — 


I 


3IO 


APPENDIX 


from  the  grasp,  he  flung  the  figure  from  him,  and  puttmg 
spurs  to  his  horse  galloped  into  the  village  at  full  speed 
a  torrent  of  ghostly  lore  and  diablerie  pouring  through 
his  mind  as  he  dashed  along.  Arousing  the  occupants  of 
the  nearest  house,  they  returned  to  the  scene  of  the  adven- 
ture,  where  they  found  the  object  of  his  terror-a  poor 
female  maniac,  who  had  escaped  from  confinement  m  a 
neighboring  alms-house,  wandering  among  the  tombs. 


Note  to  Old  Kennedy,  No.  I.-Capt.  SoMERS.*-The  name 
of   Somers,  the  twin   brother  in  arms  of  Decatur,  shmes 
brightly  on  the  History  of  American  Naval  Warfare;  and 
the  last  desperate  action  which  terminated  his  short  and 
brilliant  career  with  his  life,  is  su^mped  in  colors  so  indeli- 
ble   that  nothing  but  the  destroying  finger  of  Time  can 
eff Jce  it  from  its  pages.     After  severe  and  continued  fight- 
ing before  Tripoli,  the  Turkish  flotilla  withdrew  from  the 
mole    and   could  not  be  induced    to  venture  themselves 
beyond   the   guns  of  the  Tripolitan  Battery.    The  ketch 
Intrepid  was  fitted  out  as  a  fire-ship,  filled  to  the  decks  with 
barrels  of  gunpowder,  shells,  pitch,  and  other  combustible 
materials ;  and  Capt.  Somers,  with  a  volunteer  crew,  under- 
took the  hazardous,  almost  desperate,  task,  of  navigating 
her,  in  the  darkness  of  night  into  the  middle  of  the  Turkish 
flotilla,  when   the  train   was  to   be   fired,  and   they  were 
to  make  their  escape  as  they  best  could  in  her  boats. 

Lieutenants  Wadsworth  and  Israel  were  the  only  officers 

*  The  U  S.  Brig  Somers,  in  which  a  daring  mutiny  was  sup- 
nressed  by  the  prompt  and  decided  measures  of  Lt.  Alexander 
Slidell  McKenzie,  was  named  after  this  hero  of  the  Tripolitan  war. 


APPENDIX 


311 


allowed  to  join  the  expedition,  which  was  comprised  of  a 
small  crew  of  picked  men.  The  Intrepid  was  escorted  as  far 
as  was  prudent  by  three  vessels  of  the  squadron,  who  hove 
to,  to  avoid  suspicion,  and  to  be  ready  to  pick  up  the  boats 
upon  their  return :  the  Constitution,  under  easy  sail  in  the 

offing. 

Many  a  brave  heart  could  almost  hear  its  own  pulsations 
in  those  vessels,  as  she  became  more  and  more  indistinct, 
and  gradually  disappeared  in  tlu  distance.    They  watched 
for  some  time  with  intense  anxiety,  when  a  heavy  cannonade 
was  opened  from  the  Turkish  batteries,  which,  by  its  flashes, 
discovered    the   ketch    determinedly  progressing    on  her 
deadly  errand.    She  was  slowly  and  surely  making  for  the 
entrance  of  the  mole,  when  the  whole  atmosphere  suddenly 
blazed   as  if  into  open   day;   the  mast  with   all  its  sails 
shot  high   up  in  the  air;   shells  whizzed,  rocket  like,  ex- 
ploding  in  every  direction ;  a  deafening  roar  followed  and 
all  sunk  again  into  the  deepest  pitchy  darkness.    The  Amer- 
icans waited,  and  waited,  in  anxious,  at  last  sickening,  sus- 
pense.    Their  companions  came  not,  the  hours  rolled  on ; 
no  boat  hailed,  no  oar  splashed  in  the  surrounding  darkness. 
The  East  grew  grey  with  the  dawn,  the  sun  shone  brightly 
above  the  horizon,  nought  but  a  few  shattered  vessels  lying 
near  the  shore,  the  flotilla,  the  batteries,  and  the  minarets  of 
Tripoli,  gilded  by  the  morning  sunbeams,  met  their  gaze. 
Those   noble   spirits   had  written  their  history.     Whether 
consigned  to  eternity  by  a  shot  of  the  enemy,  prematurely 
exploding  the  magazine,  or  from  the  firing  of  the  train  by 
their  own  hands,  must  always  remain  untold  and  unknown. 
Note  to  Old  Kennedy.  No.  III.-"  The  Parting  Bless- 
ING."— An  officer  of  the  Lawrence  engaged  in  this  desperate 


I 


if 
m 

i 


ii 


fl  I 


312 


APPENDIX 


action  informed  the  writer  that  he  observed,  in  the  latter 
part  of  the  battle,  the  captain  of  one  of  the  guns,  who  was  a 
perfect  sailor,  and  remarkable  for  his  neatness  and  fine  per- 
sonal appearance,  ineffectually  endeavoring  to  work  his  gun 
himself,  after  all  its  crew  had  fallen.    He  was  badly  wounded 
by  a  grape  shot  in  the  leg;  and  although  in  that  situation, 
he  was  supporting  himself  on  the  other,  while  he  struggled 
at  the  tackle  to  bring  the  piece  to  bear.    The  officer  told 
him  that  he  had  better  leave  the  gun,  and  join  one  of 
the  others,  or,  as  he  was  badly  wounded,  go  below.    "  No, 
no,  sir,"  said  the  brave  tar ;  "  I've  loaded  her,  and  if  I've  got 
to  go  below,  it  sha'n't  be  before  I  give  'em  a  parting  blessing  !  " 
The  officer  then  himself  assisted  him  in  running  the  gun  out 
of  the  port.    The  sailor,  taking  a  good  and  deliberate  aim, 
discharged   her  into  the  British  ship,  and   then  dragged 
himself  down  to  the  cockpit,  fully  satisfied  with  the  parting 
compliment  that  he  had  paid  the  enemy.     General  Jackson, 
during  his  administration,  granted  the  man  a  pension. 


Note  to  Old  Kennedy,  No.  IV.— Explosion  at  Craney 
Island.— One  of  the  oldest  of  the  surgeons  now  in  the  navy, 
who  was  present  when  the  British  were  defeated  in  their 
attempt  to  cut  out  the  Constellation  at  Craney  Island,  in 
Hampton   Roads,  in  the   last  war,   relates   the  following 

anecdote. 

The  fire  of  the  Americans  was  so  heavy  that  the  British 
flotilla  was  soon  obliged  to  retire,  a  number  of  their  boats 
having  been  disabled  by  the  cannon  shot— one,  in  particular, 
having  been  cut  in  two,  sunk,  leaving  the  men  struggling  in 
the  water  for  their  lives.     It  was  thought  that  it  contained 


APPENDIX 


313 


an  officer  of  rank,  as  the  other  boats  hurried  to  her  assist- 
ance,  and  evinced  much  agitation  until  the  individual  alluded 
to  was  saved.     But  to  let  the  doctor  tell  his  own  story  :— 

"  Well,  they  retreated,  and  we  made  prisoners  of  those 
whose  bo'ats  having  been  cut  up,   were  struggling  in  the 
water.     Among  others,  there  was  a  f^ne  lookmg  fellow,  a 
petty  officer,  who  had  been  wounded  by  the  same  shot  that 
had  sunk  the  boat;  so  I  got  him  up  to  the  hospital-tent,  and 
cut  off  his  leg  above  the  knee,  and  having  made  him  com- 
fortable,  (!)  walked  out  upon  the  beach,  with  my  assistant, 
for  a  stroll.     We  had  not  gone  far,  when  we  were  both 
thrown  upon  our  backs  by  a  violent  shock,  which  moment- 
arily  stunned   us.     On  recovering  ourselves,  we  observed 
the  air  filled  with  cotton,  descending  like  feathers.     We  did 
not  know  how  to  account  for  the  phenomenon,  till,  advanc- 
ing some  distance  farther,  we  found  a  soldier  lying  appar- 
ently dead,  with  his  musket  by  his  side.    I  stooped  down, 
and  found  that  the  man  was  wounded  in  the  head,  a  spbnter 
having  lodged  just  over  the  temple.    As  I  drew  out  the 
splinter,  he  raised  himself,  and  stared  stupidly  about  him. 
I  asked  him  what  he  was  doing  there  ?    '  I'm  standing  ground 
over  the  tent,  sir,'  he  replied.    What  tent?    '  Why,  sir  the 
tent  that  had  the  gunpowder  in  if     How  came  it  to  blow 
up  ?-what  set  it  on  fire  ?     'I  don't  know,  sir.      Did  nobody 
come  along  this  way  ?    '  Yes,  sir  ;  a  man  came  along  with  a 
cigar  in  his  mouth,  and  asked  if  he  might  go  in  out  of  the 
sun-  I  told  him,  yes  !-and  he  went  in  and  sat  himself  down 
—and  that  is  the  last  I  recollect,  until  I  found  you  standing 
over  me  here.'     Upon  going  a  few  hundred  feet  farther,  vve 
found  a  part,  and  still  further  on,  the  remainder  of  the  body 
of  the  unfortunate  man,  who  ignorantly  had  been  the  cause 
of  the  explosion,  as  well  as  his  own  death.    He  was  so  com- 
pletely  blackened  and  burnt  that  it  would  have  been  impos- 
sible, from  his  color,  to  have   distinguished  him   from   a 
negro." 


I'  i 


\i 


m. 

I 

\ 

APPENDIX 

Note  to  Gremwood  Cemetery.-To  the  untiring  exertions  of 
Major  D.  B.  Douglass,  Messrs.  Joseph  A.  Perry    Henry  E 
Pierrepont,  Gerrit  G.  Van  Wagenen,  and  a  few  other  hberal 
minded  gentlemen,  ine  public  are  indebted  fo'-/h«  W 
and  completion  of  this  beautiful  place  of  repose  for  the  dead. 


Night  Attack  on  Fort  £r,>.-THE  Officer's  SABER.-The 
write;  saw  in  the  possession  of  Major -—,  a  beaufful 
scimitar-shaped  saber,  with   polished  steel  ^^'bbard ;   the 
number  of  the  regiment,  (ngth,  he  thinks,)  embossed  on  .  s 
blade,  which  one  of  the  soldiers  picked  up  and  brought  m 
from  among  the  scattered  arms  and  dead  bodies  m  front  of 
the  works  on  the  following  morning.    The  wh.te  lea  hern 
belt  was  cut  in  two,  probably  by  a  grape-shot  or  mus>cet  ball, 
and  saturated  with  blood.    Whether  its  unfortunate  owner 
was  killed,  or  wounded  only,  of  course  could  not  be  known. 
It  was  a  mute  and  interesting  witness  of  that  night's  carnage 
and  had  undoubtedly  belonged  to  some  officer  who  had  been 
in  Egypt,  and  had  relinquished  the  straight  European  saber, 
for  this  favorite  weapon  of  the  Mameluke. 


Night  Attack  on  Fort  Erie,  and  Battle  of  Lmdy's  Lane.- 
These  two  articles  elicited  the  following  reply  from  the  pen 
of  an  officer  of  the  U.  S.  army,  since  dead.  The  authent  c.ty 
of  the  statement  can  be  relied  upon,  as  the  documents  from 
whence  it  was  derived  were  the  papers  of  Major-Genera! 
Brown,  and  other  high  officers  engaged  in  the  campaign. 
It  is  proper  to  observe,  that  in  the  rambling  sketch  of  a  tour- 
ist where  a  mere  cursory  description  was  all  that  was  a.med 


APPENDIX 


3IS 


at  the  apparent  iniustice  done  to  that  gallant  officer  and 
:;iltf;sHUfu.  soldier,  Major-Genera,  Brown  (who  cer 
tainly  ought  to  have  been  placed  more  prominently  m  the 
foreeround),  was  entirely  unintentional. 

f,    .    *    "Deeming  that  a  'local  habitation  and  a 
name'  may  be  affixed  to  my  friend  'he  ' Major,'  and  that  he 
n,ay  be  considered  responsible  (or  inaccuracies,  if  any  for 
which  others  alone  are  accountable,  I  hasten  to  say  that  in 
the  description  of  the  battle  of  Lundy  s  ^a-  (-*  th    ex 
ceptionof  some  of  the  personal  -«^°'!^)' '"^  '  '  ?  'V' 
tained  merely  as  a  nom  de  gturre  to  carry  the  reader  through 
he  different  phases  of  the  action.    The  description  of  the 
ni^ht  Stack  on  Fort  Erie,  as  well  as  that  of  the  character 
and  personal  appearance  of  Lieutenant-Colonel  Wood,^s 
however  almost  literally  that  given  at  the  fireside  of  my 
W  nd     The  information  received  at  the  British  camp  on 
h    following  morning,  through  a  flag,  was,  as  "earas  could 

rrttrd^t^ait.-^^^^^^^^ 

on  the  battle-ground,     ^-^^l^^^    J      ,^  „o„  that 
was  all  that  was  aimed  at,  has  been  cu       j 
Tuthority,  the  reader,  as  well  as  your  correspond  n,  can 
best  detLine  by  referring  to  the  history  alluded  to.      P. 

269-70.  ...f  nierv  occupied  a  hill  which 

4fr    *    *    *    «« The  enemy  sartiuer>  ocLu^^it 

to  hope  for  victory  while  they  wcic  ^ 


ii-.' 


3i6 


APPENDIX 


ll? 


I! 

if  : 


mA 


Addressing  himself  to  C-^ionel  Miller,  he  .nqu.red  whether 
he  could  storm  the  '  '^es  at  the  head  of  the  Twenty- 
first,  while  he  would  ,.  ,elf  support  him  with  the  younger 
regiment,  the  Twenty-third.  To  this  the  wary  but  m- 
trepid,  veteran  replied  in  an  unaffected  phrase  1  U  try, 
sir;'  *  words  which  were  afterwards  given  as  the  motto  ol 

his  regiment.  .       , 

»    *    »    *    "The   Twenty-third  was  formed  m  close 

column  under  its  commander.  Major  McFarland,  and  the 
First  regiment  under  Colonel  Nicholas,  was  left  to  keep  the 
infantry  in  check.    The  two  regiments  moved  on  to  one  ot 
the  most  perilous  charges  ever  attempted ;  the  whole  of  the 
artillery  opened  upon  them  as  they  advanced,  supported  by 
a  powerful  line"  of  infantry.    The  Twenty-first  advanced 
steadily  to  its  purpose;  the  Twenty-third  faltered  on  re. 
ceiving  the  deadly  fire  of  the  enemy,  but  was  soon  rallied  by 
the  personal  exertions  of  General  Ripley.    When  w.th.n  a 
hundred  yards  of  the  summit,  they  received  another  dread- 
ful discharge,  by  which  Major  McFarland  was  killed,  and 
the  command  devolved  on  Major  Brooks.    To  the  amaze- 
ment  of  the  British,  the  intrepid  Miller  firmly  advanced, 
until  within  a  few  paces  of  their  line,  when  he  impetuously 
charged  upon  the  artillery,  which,  after  a  short  but  desper- 
ate resistance,  yielded  their  whole  battery,  and  the  American 
line  was  in  a  moment  formed  in  the  rear  upon  the  ground 
previously  occupied  by  the  British  infantry.    In  carrying 
the  larger  pieces,  the  Twenty-first  suffered  severely  ;  Lieu- 
tenant CiUey,  after  nu  unexampled  effort,  fell  wounded  by 
the  side  of  the  piece  which  he  took ;  there  were  but  few  of 
♦  The  Twenty-first  carried  the  celebrated  '  77/ //y,  Sir;  inscribed 
upon  their  buttons  during  the  remainder  of  the  war. 


APPENDIX 


317 


the  officers  of  this  regiment  who  were  not  either  killed  or 

wounded. 

«« So  far  as  I  can  recollect,  the  personal  narrative  of  my 
friend  was  as  follows :    Miller,  quietly  surveying  the  battery, 
coolly  replied,  '  I'll  try,  sir;'   then,  turning  to  his  regiment, 
drilled  to  beautiful  precision,  said, '  Attention,  Twenty-first.' 
He  directed  them  as  they  rushed  up  the  hill,  to  deliver  their 
fire  at  the  port-lights  of  the  artillerymen,  and  to  immediately 
carry  the  guns  at  the  point  of  the  bayonet.     In  a  very  short 
time  they  moved  on  to  the  charge,  delivered  their  fire  as 
directed,  and  after  a  furious  struggle  of  a  few  muments  over 
the  cannon,  the  battery  was  in  their  possession. 

*  *  *  *  -  To  show  with  what  secresy  the  arrangements 
were  made  for  the  sortie  of  Fort  Erie,  it  is  believed  that  the 
enemy  was  in  utter  ignorance  of  the  movement.    To  confirm 
him  in  error,  a  succession  of  trusty  spies  were  sent  to  him  in 
the  chare -^ter  of  deserters,  up  to  the  close  of  the  day  of  the 
16  h  '  and  so  little  did  the  army  know  of  what  were  General 
Brown's  plans  for  that  day,  that  even  if  an  officer  had  gone 
over  to  the  enemy,  the  information  he  could  have  given  must 
have  been  favorable  to  the  meditated  enterprise,  as  no  one 
had  been  consulted  but  Geaeral  Porter,  and  the  engineers, 
Colonels  McRae  and  Wood. 

..  At  nine  o'clock  on  the  evening  of  the  i6th.  the  general- 
in-chief  called  his  assistant  adjutant-general.  Major  Jones, 
and  after  explaining  concisely  his  object,  ordered  him  to  see 
he  of^cers  whom  fhe  General  named,  and  direct  them  to 
his  tent  The  officers  General  Brown  had  selected  to  have 
the  honor  of  leading  commands  on  the  17th,  came;  he  ex- 
plained to  them  his  views  and  determinations,  and  enjoyed 
'Juch  satisfaction  at  seeing  that  his  confidence  had  not  been 


g  APPENDIX 

Iplacea.    T,.e,  .eU  Win.  ^^^ ^^Zt. 
to  them  on  the  succeeding  day.    At  twelve     c 
agent  was  sent  to  the  enemy  in  the  character  of  a  deserter 
and  aided,  by  disclosing  all  he  knew,  to  confirm  h.m  m 

""  The  letter,  of  which  the  following  is  an  extract  was 
written  by  General  Brown  to  the  Department  of  War  early 
in  the  morning  of  the  25th  July,  1814 : 

..?As  General  Gaines  informed  me  that  the  Commodo  e 
was  in  port,  and  as  he  did  not  know  when  the  fleet  would 
Ta  or  when  the  guns  and  troops  that  1  had  been  expecting 
wld  even  lea ve'sacketfs  Harbor,  1  have  thought  ,t  proper 
to  change  my  position  with  a  view  to  other  °bJ«^t^- 

..  General  Scott,  with  the  first  brigade,  Towson  s  artillery 
all  the  dragoons  and  mounted  men,  was  accordingly  put  in 
marc^  towards  Queenston.     He  was  P-^cu^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 
to  report  if  the  enemy  appeared,  and  to  call  for  assistance  il 
at  L  necessary.    Having  command  o   the    ragoons,  h 
would  have,  it  was  supposed,  the  means  of  >"t«l"gf  ";^«;    °" 
General  Scott's  arrival  near  the  Falls,  he  learned  that  the 
fnemy  was  in  force  directly  in  his  front,  a  narrow  piece  o 
roods  aione  intercepting  his  view  of  them.     «  o  .y 
to  despach  this  information,  but  not  to  receive  any  in  return, 
the  General  advanced  upon  him. 

..  Hearing  the  report  of  cannon  and  small  arms.  Genera. 
Brown  at  once  concluded  that  a  battle  had  commenced 
between  the  advance  of  his  army  and  the  enemy,  and  with 
out  waiting  for  information  trom  General  Scott,  ordered  the 
eond  brigade  and  all  the  artillery  to  --h  as  «p.  y  a 
possible  to  his  support,  and  directed  Colonel  Gardner  to 
possiDie  „  Z*;.^.,  „„,.,,d.    He  then  rode  with  his 

remain  and  see  ims  oiuv.  exci.v.— u. 


APPENDIX 


319 


aids-de-camp,  and  Major  McRee,  with  all  speed  towards  the 
scene  of  action.     As  he  approached  the  Falls,  ;about  a  mile 
from  Chippeway,  he  met  Major  Jones,  who  had  accompanied 
General  Scott,  bearing  a  message  from  him,  advising  General 
Brown  that  he  had  met  the  enemy.    From  the  information 
given  by  Major  Jones,  it  was  concluded  to  order  up  General 
Porter's   command,  and  Major    Jones  was   sent  with   this 
order.      Advancing  a  I'ttle  further   General   Brown   met 
Major  Wood,  of  the  engineers,  who  also  had  accompanied 
General  Scott.     He  reported  that  the  conflict  between  Gen- 
eral Scott  and  the  enemy  was  close  and  desperate,  and  urged 
that  reinforcements  should  be  hurried  forward.    The   rein- 
forcements were  now  marching  with  all  possible  rapidity. 
The  Major-General  was  accompanied  by  Major  Wood  to  the 
field  of  battle.     Upon  his  arrival,  he  found  that  General 
Scott  had  passed  the  wood,  and  engaged  the  enemy  upon 
the  Queenston  road  and  the  ground  to  the  left  of  it,  with  the 
9th,  I  ith  and  22d  regiments,  and  Towson  s artillery.  The  25th 
had  been  detached  to  the  right,  to  be  governed  by  circum- 
stances.   Apprehending  these  troops  to  be  much  exhausted, 
notwithstanding  the   good  front  they  showed,  and  know- 
ing  that  they  had  suffered  severely  in  the  contest.  General 
Brown  determined  to  form  and  interpose  a  new  line  with 
the  advancing  troops,  and  thus  disengage  General  Scott,  and 
hold  his  brigade  in  reserve.     By  this  time  Captains  Biddle 
and  Ritchie's  companies  of  artillery  had  come  into  action. 
The  head  of  General  Ripley's  column  was  nearly  up  with 
the  right  of  General  Scott's  line.    At  this  moment  the  enemy 
fell  back,  in  consequence,  it  was  believed,  of  the  arrival  of 
fresh  troops,  which  they  could  see  and  begin  to  feel.    At  the 
moment  the  enemy  broke,  General  Scott's  brigade  gave  a 


320 


APPENDIX 


general  hu.za.  that  cheered  the  whole  line  General  Wpley 
was  ordered  to  pass  his  line  and  display  his  column  m  front 
The  movment  was  commenced  in  obedience  to  the  order 
Ma  oT  McRee  and  Wood  had  rapidly  reconno.tered  the 
emy  and  his  position.  McRee  reported  that  he  appeared 
o  have  taken  up  a  new  position  with  h.s  me.  -d  -th  h^ 
artillery,  to  have  occupied  a  height  wh.ch  gave  h.m  great 

vantages,  it  being  the  key  oi  the  who^   pos,  .0".    T 
secure  the  victory,  it  was  necessary  to  <^;';^y '^'^  ^^^^it 
seize  his  artillery.    McRee  was  ordered  by  the  Ma)or-Oen 
eraltoonduct  Ripley's  command  on  the  Queenston  road 
;ithavi3wtothatobiect,and  prepare  the  ..st  reg.ment. 

""tr::ctr;'b:i"treL^    .dvancea   on  the 
gJnLroad.    Oenera,Brown.withhis.ds^^^^^^^^^^^^ 

roTrCr:::efthrre:T's  artillery.- 
observed  an  extended  line  ot  infantry  formed  for  .ts  support, 
/detachment  of  the  first  regiment  of  infantry  under  com- 
ltd  of  Colonel  Nicolas,  which  arrived  that  day  and  wa 
Tt  led  to  neither  of  the  brigades,  but  ^ad  ".arched  to     e 
field   of  battle  in  the  rear  of  the    second,  was    ordered 
promptly  to  break  off  to  the  left,  and  form  a  hne  fac.ng  the 
e^^myonthe  height,  with  a  view  of  drawing  h.s  fire  and 
a  tr^ting  his  attention,  while  Colonel  Miller  advanced  wah 
the  bayonet  upon  his  left  flank  to  carry  h,s  art.llery  _  A, 
the  first  regiment,  led  by  Major  Wood,  and  commanded  by 
colonel  Nrcolas.  approached  its  position    the  commandmg 
General   rode    to    Colonel    Miller,    and  ordered  h.m   to 
charge  and  carry  the  enemy's  artillery  with  the  bayonet. 
He  r°eplied  in  a  tone  of  great  promptness  and  good  humor, 
It  shall  be  done,  sir.' 


APPENDIX 


321 


"  At  that  moment  the  first  regiment  gave  \vay  under  the 
fire  of  the  enemy  ;  but  Colonel  Miller,  without  regard  to  this 
circumstance,  advanced  steadily  to  his  object,  and  carried 
tne  height  and  the  cannon  in  a  style  rarely  equaled-never 
excelled.  At  this  point  of  time,  when  Colonel  Miller  moved, 
the  23d  regiment  was  on  his  right,  a  little  in  the  rear.  Gen™ 
eral  Ripley  led  this  regiment ;  it  had  some  severe  fighting, 
and  in  a  degree  gave  way,  but  was  promptly  reformed,  and 
brought  upon  the  right  of  the  nst,  with  which  were  con- 
nected a  detachment  of  the  17th  and  19th. 

"  General  Ripley  being  now  with  his  brigade,  formed  a 
line  (the  enemy  having  been  driven  from  his  commanding 
o-round),  with  the  captured  cannon,  nine  pieces,  in  the  rear. 
The  first  regiment  having  been  raUied,  was  brought  into 
line  by  Lieutenant-Colonel  Nicolas,  on  the  left  of  the  second 
brigade  and  General  Porter  coming  up  at  this  time,  occu- 
pied    with   his  command  the  extreme   left.     Our  artillery 
formed  the  right  between  the  21st  and  23d  regiments.    Hav- 
ing given  to  Colonel  Miller  orders  to  storm  the  heights  and 
carry  the  cannon  as  he  advanced.  General  Brown  moved 
from  his  right  flank  to  the  rear  of  his  left.     Major  Wood  and 
Captain  Spencer  met  him  on  the  Queenston  road ;  turnmg 
down  that  road,  he  passed  directly  in  the  rear  of  the  23d, 
as  they  advanced  to  the  support  of  Col.  Miller.    The  shouts 
of  the  American  soldiers  on  the  heights,  at  this  moment,  as- 
sured him  of  Col.  Miller's  success,  and  he  hastened  towards 
ihe^  place,   designing  to    turn    from   the   Queenston   road 
towards  the  heights  up  Lundy's  Lane.     In  the  act  of  domg 
so  Mai.  Wood  and  Capt.  Spencer,  who  were  about  a  horse  s 
length  before  him,  were  near  riding  upon  a  body  of  the 
enemy;  and  nothing  prevented  them  from  doing  it  but  an 


322 


aPPEiVDIX 


officer  exclaiming  before  them.  'Ti^ey  are  t"''  J""''*;, 
The  exclamation  halted  the  three  Amer.can  officers  nd 
upon  looking  down  the  road  they  saw  a  ''-  «  ^^'^^^ 
infantry  drawn  up  in  front  of  the  western  fence  of  the  road, 
with  its  right  resting  upon  Lundy's  Lane. 

"The  British  officer  had,  at  the  moment  he  gave  this 
alarm,  discovered  Maj.  Jesup.  The  Major  had,  as  before 
observed,  at  the  commencement  of  the  action,  been  ordered 
by  Gen.  Scott  to  take  ground  to  his  right. 

..  He  had  succeeded  in  tu:-mng  the  enemy  s  left,  had  cap. 
tured  Gen.  Riall  and  several  other  officers,  and  sent  them    o 
camp,  and  then,  feeling  and  searching  h.s  way  silently 
::a;ds  where  the  battle  was  raging,  had  brought  his  reg. 
ment,  the  asth,  after  a  little  comparative  loss,  up  to  the 
Tas^    n  fenc    at  the  Queenston  road,  a  little  to  the  north  of 
L„  dy  s  Lane.    The  moment  the  British  gave  Jesup  notice 
of  having  discovered  him,  Jesup  ordered  his  command  to 
fie  upon  the  enemy's  line.    The  lines  could  not  have  been 
lore  than  four  rods  apart-Jesup  behind  the  south  fence, 
The  British  in  front  of  the  north.    The  slaughter  was  dread^ 
ul-  the  enemy  fled  down  the  Queenston  road  at  the  third 
or  fourth  fire     As  the  firing  ceased,  the  Major-General 
"proached  Major  Jesup,  advised  him  that  Col  Miller  had 
carried  the  enemy's  artillery,  and  received  information  of 

*":r:irHavtg'-raUied  his  broken  forces  and  r. 
ceived  reinforcements,  was  now  discovered  in  good  order 
and  in  great  force.  The  commanding  General,  doubting 
the  LrLtness  of  the  information,  and  to  ascertain  the 
.,,'„<!  i„  person  with  his  suite  in  front  of  our  line. 
H:  :;rrd:o Mng'er  douU,  as  a  more  extended  line  than  he 


APPENDIX 


323 


had  yet  seen  during  the  engagement  was  near,  and  ad- 
vancing  upon  us.  Capt.  Spencer,  without  saying  a  word, 
put  spurs  to  his  horse,  and  rode  directly  up  to  the  ad- 
vancing line,  then,  turning  towards  the  enemy's  right, 
inquired  in  a  strong  and  firm  voice, '  What  regiment  is  that?' 
and  was  as  promptly  answered,  'The  Royal  Scots,  Sir.' 

"  General  Brown  and  suite  then  threw  themselves  behind 
our  troops  without  loss  of  time,  and  waited  the  attack.    The 
enemy  advanced  slowly  and  firmly  upon  us:  perfect  silence 
was  observed  throughout  both  armies  until  the  lines  ap- 
proached to   within  four  to   six   rods.      Our  troops  had 
leveled  their  pieces  and  the  artillery    was  prepared:  the 
order  to  fire  was  given.     Most  awful  was  its  effect.    The 
lines  closed  in  part  before  the  enemy  was  broken.     He  then 
retired   precipitately,  the  American  army   following   him. 
The  field  was  covered  with  the  slain,  but  not  an  enemy 
capable  of  marching  was  to  be  seen.    We  dressed  our  men 
upon  the  ground  we  occupied.     Gen.  Brown  was  not  dis- 
posed to  leave  it  in  the  dark,  knowing  it  was  the  best  in  the 
neighborhood.     His  intention,  then,  was  to  maintain  it  until 
day  should  dawn,  and  to  be  governed  by  circumstances. 

'«  Our  gallant  and  accomplished  foe  did  not  give  us  much 
time  for  deliberation.  He  showed  himself  within  twenty 
minutes,  apparently  undismayed  and  in  good  order." 

Extract  of  a  private  letter  from  the  writer  of  the  above 
article,  dated  January  15,  1 841.    *  *  *  * 

'« As  to  the  fate  of  the  gallant  and  accomplished  Wood.— 
You  supposed  a  flag  from  the  enemy  reported  he  had  been 
bayoneted  to  death  on  the  ground ;  like  enough,  but  how 
did  the  enemy  recognize  his  body  ?  Gen.  Porter  thinks  he 
fell  at  the  close  of  the  action  at  Battery  No.  i,  but  I  never 


324 


APPENDIX 


V 


1 1 

I  ttlit    1:1 


heard  that  any  one  saw   him  fall.     His  body  never  was 
ectered     Those  of  Gibson  and  Davis,  the  leaders  o.  the 
two  other  colur  ns  in  Gen.  Porter's  command,  were. 

..Soon  alter-  the  war,  McRee,  one  of  the  best  m.htary 
engineers  this  country  ever  produced,  threw  up  h.s  comm.s- 
sion  in  disgust  and  died  ol  the  cholera  at  St.  Louis. 

.From  the  time  I  lost  sight  of  Gen.  Scott  in  my  narrative 
until  after  the  change  referred  to  at  the  end  of  the  na- Uve 
Gen.  Scott  with  three  ol  his  battalions  had  been  held  in  re- 
serve    The  commander-in-chief  now  rode  in  person  to  Gen. 
Scott'  -d  ordered  him  to  advance.    That  officer  was  pre_ 
p  red  and  expected  the  call.    As  Scott  advanced  toward 
Key's  left,  Gen.  Brown  passed  to  the- left  to  speak  with 
Gen  Porter  and  see  the  condition  and  countenance  of  his 
milUia  who,  at  that  moment,  were  thrown  into  some  con- 
Tus  on  unde    a  most  galling  and  deadly  hre  from  the  enemy : 
hey  were,  however,  kept  to  their  duty  by  the  exertions  of 
hefr  galUnt  chiefs,  and  most  nobly  sustained  the  conflict 
ThT  enemy  was  repulsed  and  again  driven  out  of  sight. 
Bu    a  Lrt  time,  however,  had  elapsed,  when  he  was  once 
more  distinctly  seen,  in  great  force,  advancing  upon  our 
™ain  line  under  the  command  of  Ripley  and  Porter^    The 
direction  that   Scott  had  given  his  column  would   have 
enabled  him  in  five  minutes  to  have  formed  a  line  in  the  rear 
t  :  enemy's  right,  and  thus  have  ''-S';' ^'™  ~^ 
two  fires     But  in  a  moment  most  unexpected,  a  flank  fire 
om  a  party  of  the  enemy,  concealed  upon  our  left,  falling 
upon  the  centre  of  Scott's  command,  when  in  open  column 
Tasted  our  proud  expectations.    His  column  was  severed 
";  one  part  passing  to  the  rear,  the  other  by  the  right 
flank  o    platoons  toward  the  main  line.    About  this  period 


APPENDIX 


325 


'g 


.Gen.  Brown  received  his  first  wound,  a  musket-ball  passinj 
through  his  right  thigh  and  carrying  away  his  tvatch  seal, 
a  few    minutes    after   Capt.   Spencer  received   his  mortal 

"This  was  the  last  desperate  effort  made  by  the  enemy 
to  regain  his  position  and  artillery.     *  *  *  * 

"  Porter's  volunteers  were  not  excelled  by  the  regulars 
during  this  charge.     They  were  soon  precipitated  by  their 
heroic  commander  upon  the  enemy's  line,  wh.ch  they  broke 
and  dispersed,  making  many  prisoners.     The  enemy  now 
seemed  to  be  effectually  routed ;  they  disappeared.     *  *  *  * 
■   "At  the  commencement  of  the  action,  Col.  Jesup  was  de- 
tached to  the  left  of  the  enemy,  with  the  discretionary  order, 
to  be  governed  by  circumstances.     The  commander  of  the 
British   forces   had   committed   a  fault  by  leaving  a  road 
unguarded  on  his  left.     Col.  Jesup,  taking  advantage  of  this, 
threw  himself  promptly  into  the  rear  of  the  enemy,  where 
he  was  enabled  to  operate  with  brilliant  enterprise,  and  the 
happiest  effect.    The  capture  of  Gen.  Riall,  with  a  large 
escort  of  officers  of  rank,  was  part  of  the  trophies  of  his 
intrepidity  and  skill.    It  is  not,  we  venture  to  assert,  bestow- 
ing  on  him  too  much  praise  to  say,  that  to  his  achievements, 
more  than  to  those  of  any  other  individual,  is  to  be  attributed 
the  preservation  of  the  first  brigade  from  utter  annihilation. 
"  Among  the  officers  captured  by  Col.  Jesup,  was  Capt. 
Loring,  one  of  General  Drummond's  aids-de-camp,  who  had 
been  despached  from  the  front  line  to  order  up  the  reserve, 
with  a  view  to  fall  on  Scott  with  the  concentrated  force  of 
the  whole  army  and  overwhelm  him  at  a  single  effort.    Nor 
would  it  have  been  possible  to  prevent  this  catastrophe,  had 
the  reserve  arrived  in  time;  the  force  with  which  General 


326 


APPENDIX 


Scott  would  have  been  obliged  to  contend  be.ng  nearly 
quadruple  that  of  his  own.     By  the  fortunate  capture,  how 
ever   of  the  British  aid.de.can,p,  before  the  complet.on  of 
he  Service  on  which  he  had  been  ordered,  the  enemy  s 
re  erve  was  not  brought  into  action  until  the  arnva    o 
G„    Ripley's  brigade,  which  prevented  the  d.saster  that 
^u  ;  otherwise  have  ensued,  and  achieved,  in  the  end,  one 
Tf  the  most  honorable  victories  that  ever  shed  lustre  upon 
the  arms  of  a  nation. 


Note  to   Lu,ulys   i«»..-RA.NBOW    OF  THE  CATARAO.- 

The  afternoon  of  the  action  presented  one  of  those  dehc.ous 
summer  scenes  in  which  all  nature  appears  to  be  breathn,g 
„  harmony  and  beauty.  As  General  Scotfs  br.gade  can-. 
i„  view,  and  halted  in  the  vicinity  of  the  cataracts  the  m,st 
rising  from  the  falls  was  thrown  in  upon  the  land,  arch, „g 
the  American  force  with  a  vivid  and  gorgeous  rainbow,  the 
left  resting  on  the  cataract,  and  the  right  lost  m  the  fore  t 
Its  brilliance  and  beauty  was  such,  that  it  excted  not  o.^y 
the  enthusiasm  of  the  officers,  but  even  the  camp  followers 
were  filled  with  admiration. 


Note  to  Lundy's  i«»..-THE  DAY  AFTER  THE  BATTLE.-    I 

rode  to  the  battle-ground  about  day-light  on  the  oUowmg 
corning  without  witnessing  the  presence  of  a  -g'^  B"  'sh 
officer  or  soldier.  The  dead  had  not  been  removed  through 
the  night,  and  such  a  scene  of  carnage  I  never  before  be- 
held Red  coats,  blue  and  gray,  promiscuously  mterm.ngled, 
in  many  places  tkree  deep,  and  around  the  hill,  where  the  en 
em/s  armiery  was  carried  by  Colonel  Miller,  the  carcasses 


APPENDIX 


327 


of  sixty  or  seventy  horses  added  to  the  horror  of  the  scene." 
—Private  letter  of  an  Officer. 

The  dead  were  collected  and  burnt  in  funeral  piles  made 
of  rails,  on  the  field  where  they  had  fallen. 


Note  to  Lundys  Lane-— The  two  Sergeants.— For  sev- 
eral  days  after  the  action,  the  country  people  found  the 
bodies  of  soldiers  who  had  straggled  off  into  the  woods,  and 
died  of  their  wounds.    At  some  distance  from  the  field  of 
battle,  and  entirely  alone,  were  found  the  bodies  of   two 
sergeants,  American  and  English,  transfixed  by  each  other's 
bayonets,  lying  across  each  other,  where  they  had  fallen  in 
deadly  duel.     It  is  rare  that  individual  combat  takes  place 
under  such  circumstances  in  the  absence  of  spectators  to 
cheer  on  the  combatants  by  their  approval,  and  this  incident 
conveys  some  idea  of  the  desperation  which  characterized 
the  general  contest  on  that  night.     Yet  in  this  lonely  and 
brief  tragedy,  these  two  men  were  enacting  parts,  which  to 
them  were  as  momentous  as  the  furious  conflict  of  the  masses 
in  the  distance. 


Note  to  Lundys  Z^w^.— Death  of  Captain  Hull.— Cap- 
tain Hull,  son  of  General  Hull,  whose  unfortunate  surrender 
at  Detroit  created  so  much  odium,  fell  in  this  battle.  He 
led  his  men  into  the  midst  of  the  heaviest  fire  of  the  enemy, 
and  after  they  were  almost,  if  not  all,  destroyed,  plunged 
sword  in  hand  into  the  center  of  the  British  column,  fighting 
with  the  utmost  desperation,  until  he  was  literally  impaled 

upon  their  bayonets. 

In  the  pocket  of  this  gallant  and  generous  young  officer, 


328 


APPENDIX 


was  found  a  letter,  avowing  his  determination  to  signalize 
the  name  or  to  fall  in  the  attempt. 


Note  to  Lundys  Lane.-SCOTT^S  BRIGADE.-Part  of  Gen. 
Scotfs  command  were  dressed  in  gray  (probably  the  fatigue 
dress),  at  the  battle  of   Chippewa.    An  English   company 
officer  relates  that:  ''Advancing  at  the  head  of  my  men,  1 
saw  a  body  of  Americans  drawn  up,  dressed  in  gray  uniform. 
Supposing  them  to  be  militia,  1  directed  my  men  to  fire,  and 
immediately  charge  bayonet.    What  was   my  surprise  to 
find,  as  the  smoke  of  our  fire  lifted  from  the  ground,  that, 
instead  of  flying  in  consternation  from  our  destructive  dis- 
charge, the  supposed  militia  were  coming  down  upon  us  at 
•double  quick '-at  the   charge.     In  two   minutes   I  stood 
alone,  my  men  having  given  way  without  waiting  to  meet 
the  shock." 

Note  to  Lundys  Z««..-Death  OF  Capt.  SPENCER.-Capt. 
Spencer,  aid-de-camp  to  Maj.  Gen.  Brown,  a  son  of  the  Hon. 
Ambrose  Spencer,  was  only  eighteen  years  of  age  at  the 
time  he  closed  his  brief  career.  He  was  directed  by  Gen. 
Brown  to  carry  an  order  to  another  part  of  the  field,  and,  to 
avoid  a  more  circuitous  route,  he  chivalrously  galloped  down, 
exposed  to  the  heavy  fire  in  the  front  of  the  line,  eliciting  the 
admiration  of  both  armies,  but,  before  he  reached  the  point 
of  his  destination,  two  balls  passed  through  his  body  and  he 

rolled  from  his  saddle. 

The  following  letter  to  Gen.  Armstrong,  Secretary  of 
War,  will  show  in  what  estimation  he  was  held  by  Gen. 
Brown : — 


APPENDIX 


129 


Copy  of  a  letter  from  Major  Gen.  Brown,  to  Gen.  Arm- 
strons:.  Secretary  of  War. 

SLi  <JUj3,  ^  J  »  Headquarters,  Fort  Erie, 

20th  September,  1814. 

"Sir:— Among  the  officers  lost  to  this  army  in  the  battle 
of  Niagara  Falls,  was  my  aid-de-camp,  Captain  Ambrose 
Spencer,  who,  being  mortally  wounded,  was  obliged  to  be 
left  in  the  hands  of  the  enemy.     By  flags  from  the  British 
army,  I  was  shortly  afterwards  assured  of  his  convalescence, 
and  an  offer  was  made  me  by  Lieutenant  General  Drummond, 
to  exchange  him  for  his  own  aid,  Captain  Loring,  then  a 
prisoner  of  war  with  us.     However  singular  this  proposition 
appeared,  as  Captain  Loring  was  not  wounded,  nor  had  re- 
ceived the  slightest  injury,  I  was  willing  to  comply  with  it 
on  Captain  Spencer's  account.     But  as  I  knew  his  wounds 
were  severe,  I  first  sent  to  ascertain  the  fact  of  his  being 
then  living.     My  messenger,  with  a  flag,  was  detained,  nor 
even  once  permitted  to  see  Captain  Spencer,  though  in  his 

immediate  vicinity. 

"  The  evidence  I  wished  to  acquire  failed ;  but  my  regard 
for  Captain  Spencer  would  not  permit  me  longer  to  delay, 
and  I  informed  General  Drummond  that  his  aid  should  be 
exchanged  even  for  the  body  of  mine.  This  offer  was,  no 
doubt,  gladly  accepted,  and  the  corpse  of  Captain  Spencer 
sent  to  the  American  shore." 


Note  to  Lake  George  and  Tico.'DEROGA.-This  impor- 
tant position,  situated  on  Lake  Champlain  near  the  foot  of 
the  Horicon  (called  by  the  English  Lake  George,  and  by  the 
French  St.  Sacrament),  was  first  fortified  by  the  French,  and 
was  the  point  from  which  they  made  so  many  incursions,  in 


330 


APPENDIX 


conjunction  with  the  Indians,  upon  the  English  settlements. 
Lord    Abercrombie    led    an   army   of   nearly    16,000   men 
against  it  in  the  year  1658,  but  was  defeated  with  a  loss  of 
2,000  men,  and  one  of  his  most  distinguished  officers.  Lord 
Howe,  who  fell  at  the  head  of  one  of  the  advance  columns. 
In  the  following  year  it  surrendered  to  General  Amherst, 
who  led  a  force  of  nearly  equal  number  against  it.     Its  sur- 
prise  and  capture  by  Ethan  Allen,  at  the  commencement  of 
our  revolution,  is,  we  presume,  familiar  to  every  American, 
as  also  the  fact  of  Burgoyne's  getting  heavy  cannon  upon 
the  neighboring  mountain,  which  had  heretofore  been  con- 
sidered  impracticable,  and  from  which  the  works  were  en- 
tirely  commanded.    The  necessary  withdrawal  of  the  army 
by  St.  Clair,  after  blowing  up  the  works,  is  as  related  in  the 
text. 


Note  to  Bass  Fishing.-CR^^^  OF  the  Essex  Frigate.- 
In  the  bloody  and  heroic  defence  of  the  Essex,  in  which,  out 
of  a  crew  of  two  hundred  and  fifty-five  men,  one  hundred 
and   fifty-three   were  killed   and   wounded!    a  number  of 
instances  of  individual  daring  and  devotion  are  recorded  of 
the  common  sailors.     Besides  the  act  of  Ripley,  which  is 
mentioned   in   the  text,  one   man   received   a   cannon  ball 
through  his  body,  and  exclaimed,  in  the  agonies  of  death, 
"Never  mind,  shipmates,  I  die  for  free  trade  and  sailors' 
rights."    Another  expired  inciting  his  shipmates  to  "  fight 
for  liberty ! "  and  another,  Benjamin  Hazen,  having  dressed 
himself  in  a  clean  shirt  and  jacket,  threw  himself  overboard, 
declaring   that  "  he   would   never  be    incarcerated   in  an 
English  prison."     An  old  man-of-war's-man,  who  was  m  her, 


APPENDIX 


331 


informed  the  writer  that  her  sides  were  so  decayed  by 
exposure  to  the  climate  in  which  she  had  been  cruising,  that 
the  dust  flew  like  smoke  from  every  shot  that  came  through 
the  bulwarks,  and  that  at  the  close  of  the  action,  when  the 
Essex  was  lying  perfectly  helpless,  a  target  for  the  two 
heavy  British  ships,  riddled  by  every  ball  from  their  long 
cruns,  without  the  ability  to  return  a  single  shot,  he  was  near 
The  quarter-deck  and  heard  Commodore  Porter,  walkmg  up 
and  down  with  hurried  steps,  repeatedly  strike  his  breast 
and  exclaim,  in  great  apparent  agony,  "  My  Heaven !   is 
there  no  shot  for  me  ? " 


Note  to  Bass  Fishing. -^\^3'lm^  ON  Board  the  Essex 
FRIGATE—While  the  Essex  was  lying  at  the  Marquesas 
Islands,  recruiting  and  refreshing  her  crew  from  one  of  the 
lone  and  arduous  cruises  in  the  Pacific,  Commodore  Porter 
was^nformed,  through  a  servant  of  one  of  the  officers,  that  a 
mutiny  had  been  planned  and  was  on  the  eve  of  consumma- 
tion     That  it  was  the  intention  of  the  mutineers  to  rise 
upon  the  officers,  take  possession  of  the  ship,  and,  fer  bav- 
in, remained  as  long  as  they  found  agreeable  at  the  island, 
to  hoist  the  black  flag  and  ''cruise  on  their  own  account. 
Having  satisfied  himself  of  the  truth  of  the  information, 
Commodore  Porter  ascended  to  the  quarter-deck,  and  or 
dered  all  the  crew  to  be  summoned  aft.     Waiting  tdl  .he 
last  man  had  come  from  below,  he  -^^r^^^/^;^  ^'^! '^ 
understood  that  a   mutiny  was  on  foot,  and  that  he  had 
summoned  them  for  the  purpose  of  inquiring  into  its  truth. 
«  Those  men  who  are  in  favor  of  standing  by  the  ship  and 
her  officers,"  said  the  commodore,  ''will   go  over  to  the 


332 


APPENDIX 


Starboard  side ;   those  who   are   against  them  will  remain 
where  they  are."     The  crew,  to  a  man,  moved  over  to  the 
starboard  side.    The  ship  was  still  as  the  grave.     Fixing  his 
eyes  on  them  steadily  and  sternly  for  a  few  moments,  the 
commodore   said,   "  Robert   White,   step   out."     The   man 
obeyed,  standing  pale  and  agitated,  guilt  stamped  on  every 
lineament  of  his  countenance,  in  front  of  his  comrades.     1  he 
commodore  looked  at  him  a  moment,  then  seizing  a  cutlass 
from  the  nearest  rack,  said,  in  a  suppressed  voice,  but  in 
tones  so  deep  that  they  rung  like  a  knell  upon  the  ears  of 
the  guilty  among  the  crew,  ''  Villain  !  you  are  the  ringleader 
of  this  mutiny-jump  overboard  I  "    The  man  dropped  on  his 
keees,  imploring  for  mercy,  saying  that  he  could  not  swim. 
-Then  drown,  you  scoundrel !"  said  the  commodore,  springing 
towards  him  to  cut  him  down-"  overboard  instantly  ! "  and 
the  man  jumped  over  the  side  of  the  ship.     He  then  turned 
to  the  trembling  crew,  and  addressed  them  with  much  feel- 
ing the  tears  standing  upon  his  bronzed  cheek  as  he  spoke. 
He  asked  them  what  he  had  done,  that  his  ship  should  be 
disgraced  by  a  mutiny.     He  asked  whether  he  had  ever  dis- 
honored Che  flag,  whether  he  had  ever  treated  them  with 
other  than  kindness,  whether  they  had  ever  been  wanting 
for  anything  to  their  comfort,  that  discipline  and  rules  ot 
the  service  would  allow,  and  which  it  was  in  his  power  to 
give      At  the  close  of  his  address  he  said  :  "  Men !  before  I 
came  on  deck,  I  laid  a  train  to  the  magazine,  and   I  would 
have  blown  all  on  board  into  eternity,  before  my  ship  should 
have  been  disgraced  by  a  successful  mutiny ;  I  never  would 
have  survived  the  dishonor  of  my  ship ;  go  to  your  duty. 
The  men  were  much  affected  by  the  commodore's  address, 
and  immediately  returned  to  their  duty,  showing  every  sign 


APPENDIX 


333 


of  contrition.     They  were  a  good  crew,  but  had  been  se- 
duced by  the  allurements  of  the  islands,  and  the  plausible 
representations  of  a  villain.     That  they  did  their  duty  to  the 
flag,  it  is  only  necessary  to  say,  the  same  crew  fought  the 
ship  afterwards  against  the  Phebeand  Cherub,  in  the  haroor 
of  Valparaiso,  where,  though  the  American  flag  descended, 
it  descended  in  a  blaze  of  glory  which  will  long  shine  on  the 
pages  of  history.     But  mark  the  sequel  of  this  mutiny,  and 
let  those  who,  in  the  calm  security  of  their  fire-sides,  are  so 
severe  upon  the  course  of  conduct  pursued  by  officers  in 
such  critical  situations,  see  how  much  innocent  blood  would 
have  been  saved,  if  White  had  been  cut  down  instantly,  or 
hung  at  the  yard-arm.     As  he  went  overboard  he  succeeded 
in  reaching  a  canoe  floating  at  a  little  distance  and  paddled 
ashore.     Some  few   months  afterwards,   when   Lieutenant 
Gamble  of  the  Marines  was  at  the  islands,  in  charge  of  one 
of  the  large  prizes,  short-handed,  in  distress,  this  same  White, 
at  the  head  of  a  party  of  natives,  attacked  the  ship,  killed 
two  of  the  officers  and  a  number  of  the  men,  and  it  was  with 
great  difficulty  that  she  was  prevented  from  falling  into  their 
hands.     The  blood  of  those  innocent  men,  and  the  lives  of 
two  meritorious  officers,  would    have   been   spared,  if   the 
wretch  had  been  put  to  instant  death,  as  was  the  commo- 
dore's intention.     It  will  be  recollected  that  the  Essex,  in 
getting  under  way,  out  of  .the  harbor  of  Valparaiso,  earned 
awav  her  foretopmast  in  a  squall,  and  being  thus  unmanage- 
able'  came  to  anchor  in  the  supposed  protection  of  a  neutral 
port  •  nevertheless  the  Phebe,  frigate,  and  Cherub,  sloop-of- 
war,  attacked  her  in  this  position,  the  former  with  her  long 
o-uns  selecting  her  distance,  cutting  her  up  at  her  leisure, 
while  the  Essex,  armed  only  with  carronades,  lay  perfectly 


334 


APPENDIX 


helpless,  her  shot  falling  short  of  the  Phebe,  although  they 
reached  the  Cherub,  which  was  forced  to  get  out  of  their 
ran^e.     "  I  was  standing,"  said  my  informant,  then  a  mid- 
shipman only  fourteen  years  old,  <'  1  was  standing  at  the  side 
ot  one  of  our  bow-chasers  (the  only  long  guns  we  had),  which 
we  had  run  aft  out  of  the  stern-port,  when  the  Phebe  bore  up, 
and  ran  under  our  stern  to  rake  us.     As  she  came  within 
half-pistol  shot  (!)  she  gave  us  her  whole  broadside  at  the 
same  instant.     I  recollect  it  well,"  said  the  officer,  "for  as  I 
saw  the  flash,  I  involuntarily  closed  my  eyes,  expecting  that 
she  would  have  blown  us  out  of  the  water,  and  she  certainly 
would  have  sunk  us  on  the  spot,  but,  firing  too  high   her 
shot  cut  our  masts  and  rigging  all  to  pieces,  doing  little  in- 
iury  to  the  hull.     Singular  as  it  may  seem,  the  discharge  of 
our  one  gun  caused  more  slaughter  than  the  whole  of  their 
broadside,  for  while  we  had  but  one  man  wounded,  the  shot 
fron^  our  gun  killed  two  of  the  men  at  the  wheel  of  the 
Phebe,  and  glancing  with  a  deep  gouge  on  the  mair.mast, 
mortally  wounded  her  first  Lieutenant,  who  died  on  the  fol- 
lowing day. 


Long  Island  5.««^.-New  England  TRADiTioNS.-There 
are  few  countries  where  traditions  and  legends  are  hanaed 
down  from  generation  to  generation  with  more  fidelity  than 
in  New  England,  more  particularly  along  the  sea-coast  and 
the  shores  of  the  Sound.  The  ''  fire  ship  "  was  supposed  by 
the  old  fishermen  to  be  seen  cruising  occasionally  m  the  vicin- 
ity of  Block  Island  in  the  furious  storms  of  thunder  and  light- 
ning.   The  tradition  was  that  sh<i  was  taken  by  pirates,  all 

.        ,        J     u      ' ^  '»{♦•'»♦•  hpin""  cf^*^  '^1  fire  bv 

hands  murdered,  and  abauuuucu  altvx   Dein^,  „--   -- 


APPENDIX 


335 


the  buccaneers.     Some  accounts  stated  that  a  large  white 
horse,  which  was  on   board,  was  left  near  the  foremast  to 
perish  in  the  flames,  and  in  storms  of  peculiarly  terrific  vio- 
lence that  she  was  seen  rushing  along  enveloped  in  fire,  the 
horse  stamping  and  pawing  at  the  heel  of  the  foremast,  her 
phantom  crew  assembled  at  quarters.     In  the  early  part  of 
the  last  century,  a  ship  came  ashore  a  few  miles   beyond 
Newport,  on  one  of  the  beaches,  all  sails  set,  the  table  pre- 
pared for  dinner,  but  the  food  untouched,  and  no  living 
thing  on  board  of  her.    It  was  never  ascertained  what  had 
become  of  her  crew,  but  it  was  supposed  that  she  had  been 
abandoned  in  some  moment  of  alarm,  and  that  they  all  per- 
ished,  although  the  vessel  arrived  in  safety. 

The  phantom  horse  will  recall  to  mind  a  real  incident, 
which  occurred  not  long  since  in  the  conflagration  of  one 
of  the  large  steamboats  on  Lake   Erie.      A  fine  race-horse 
was  on  board,  and  secured,  as  is  usual,  forward.     Of  course 
his  safety  was  not  looked  to,  while  all  were  making  vain 
efforts  to  save  themselves  from  their  horrible  fate.    As  the 
flames  came  near  him  he  succeeded  in  tearing  himself  loose 
from  his  fastenings,  rushing  frantically  through  the  fire  and 
smoke  fore  and  aft,  trampling  down  the  unfortunate  victims 
that  were  in  his  way,  adding  still  more  horror  to  a  scene 
which  imagination  can  hardly  realize,  until,  frenzied  with 
the  pain  und  agony  of  the  fire,  he  plunged  overboard  and 

perished. 

But  the  favorite  and  most  cherished  traditions  are  those 
relating  to  hidden  treasure.  The  writer  well  recollects  one 
to  which  his  attention  was  attracted  in  his  childhood.  Mr. 
-  inhabiting  one  of  those  fine  old  mansions  in  Newport, 


w 


hich  had  been  built  fifty  years  before,  by  an  English  gentle- 


336 


APPENDIX 


nf  fortune  where  taste  and  caprice  had  been  indulged 
r„The  e' trel-'  and  where  closets,  and  beaufets.  and  cellars. 

Br  r:r:.»  sr^^^^^^^^ 

as  the     w  kev-hole  of  the  door.     He  stopped  a 

rranT^So"    -''->-  that  so^e  o.  the  ,a.ni,y 
,t.  nnartment-but  instantly  the  light  vanished.    He 
'"""  '".    n  to  the  do-  and  endeavored  to  open  it,  but  found 
XsurTrire  hattvas  .astened.-a  thing  that  was  un^^ 

,K    Hnnr  constantly  stood  ajar.    Calling  out  aga.n, "  Who  s 
::'°:itho      receiving  any  answer,  he  placed  his  foot 

I  the  door  and   forced  it  open,  when  a  sight  met  h.s 
agamst  the  door  ^,^  ^^  ^^^  ^^^^^     j„  ^,^ 

r  ;::i  t  e'  2::  a  deep  grave,  which  had  been  already 

,       nnd  leaning  upon  his  spade,  was  a  brawny  negro,  hs 

it    r  V  "d  u'p  to  his  shoulders,  and  the  sweat  tr.cW 

U„g  down  his  glistening  black  visage,  while  on  the  p.le  of 

.ride  from  the  excavation  stood  another  negro,  a 
Trawn  sword  n  one  hand,  a  lantern  w.th  the  light  just 
e    Cu  shed  in  the  other,  and  an  open  bible,  w.th  two  hazel 

TZrL  it  lying  at  his  feet-these  swarthy  laborers,  the 

■■  enttha  the  door  was  thrown  open,  making  the  most 
moment  that  he  do  ^^  ^^ ^^^^^  ^^^_ 

'^""ri^voceh  demanded  the  meaning  of  what  he  saw, 
■"  d  whatlh  y  were  about.  They  both  simultaneously  then 
^."itd  tw  the  charm  was  broken  by  his  voice.  One  of 
:::  worthie;  who  was  the  groom  of  the  family,  had  dreamea 


APPENDIX 


,.7 


00 


five  nights  in  succession  that  old  Mr.  E .the  builder  of 

the  house,  had   buried  a  bootful  (!)  of  gold  in  that  cellar 
and  on  comparing  notes  with  his  brother  dreamer,  he  found 
that  his  visions  also  pointed  to  treasure  in  the  old  house, 
and  they  had  proceeded  sccundcm  artcm  to  its  attamment, 
both  vehemently  declaring  that  they  intended  to  give  part 

of  the  treasure  to  Mr. .     Of  course,  the  door  being 

opened,  the  strange  negro  was  required  to  add  the  darkness 
of  his  visage  to  that  of  night,  while  the  groom  was,  on  pain 
of  instant  dismissal,  together  with  the  threat  of  the  ridicule 
of  the  whole  town,  directed  to  t^U  up  the  grave,  and  there- 
after  to  let  the  buried  treasure  sleep  where  its  owner  had 
seen  fit  to  deposit  it. 


J 


A  Balloi)  aiong  Anierican  Scenery : 

OR, 

Sletcles  of  Aierican  Scenes  anl  Military  Alyentnre. 


BY 


A.   E.    SILLIMAN. 

*  ♦  *  "Mr.  Silliman's  'Gallop  among  American  Scenery'  is  an 
eminently  readable  book,  consisting  of  sketches,  historical  and  descriptive, 
everything  dashed  off  with  a  champagne  sparkle,  and  withal,  scholarlike 
and  finished.  The  talent  for  this  kind  of  writing  is  as  rare  as  the  tenor 
among  singers,  and  we  are  glad  to  hear  of  the  existence  of  such  a  writer, 
though  his  light  shine  from  the  '  Vale  of  Mammon.'  *  *  N. />.  Wtllts. 
Bro.  jo.,  April  i,  1843. 

*  *     "  It  is  a  most  agreeable  volume,  and  we  commend  it  to  the  lovers 
of  the  champagne  style  in  literature."    *    *    N.  Y.  Com.  Adv.,  1843  (4). 

*  *     "With  an  eye  to  observe  the  beauties  of  nature,  and  a  heart  to 
appreciate  them;   with  a  pen  to  "gallop"  as  fast  as  the  thcushts  of  the 
writer ;  and  language  fluent  enough  tp  depict  the  quick  ideas  of  the  mind. 
Mr.  Silliman  has  brought  together  a  work  of  the  most  captivating  character, 
*    *    Boston  Transcript.  1843  (4). 

*  ♦  "  C'est  une  veritable  course  au  galop  que  le  volume  de  Silliman, 
etdans  cette  societe  qui  va  si  vite  les  meilleurs  livres  et  les  plus  agreab  es 
styles  sont  ceux  qui  s'elancent  i  toute  bride,  ne  s  embarrassant  ni  de  philo- 
Sophie,  ni  de  beau  langage.  II  y  a  dans  les  Esquisses  de  Silliman  une 
peinture  magnifique  de  la  Cataracte  du  Niagara,  pendant  1  hiver;  cet 
Immense  pakis  de  glace,  suspendu  et  ^tincelant,  ce  mouvement  gigantesque 
arrete  dans  I'air  par  une  force  magique,  composent  un  des  p\xis  etourdissans 
spectacles  dont  on  puisse  s'aviser.  La  touche  de  I'auteur  amencam  est  facile, 
rapide,  hazardeuse,  un  peu  incorrecte,  mais  chaud  n  en  yaut  que  mieux. 
Z^Hevue  dcs  Deux  MonJes,  Tome  Septi^me  (15  Aout  1844),  Pans. 

"A  Gallop  among  American  Scenery.    By  A.  E.  Silliman.    This 
volume  seems  to  have  been  rapidly  ^>;itten.  but  it  dispkys  uncomm^^^^^ 
Qualities  of  style  and  powers  of  observation.    *    *    •    His  sketcUv.s  are 
brilliantly  drawn  and  his  stories  and  anecdotes  well  told.     Unlike  most 
books  so  miscellaneous  in  character,  this  has  a  sp  rit  and  life  which  keep  up 
?he  reader's  interest  to  the  end  ;  it  is  drawn  from  fresh  nature  and  ,s  there- 
fore  free  from  vague  or  unmeaning  epithets.    It  is  written  in  a  hear  y  and 
hones    tone    a^/ we  strike  up  a  pkasant  acquaintance  with  the  author  at 
once     We  are  amused,  excited,  and  frequently  instructed  by  our  agreeable 
companion,  and  part  from  him  with  regret.     *     *   .^«  "'  particularly 
SeTd  w"  h  the  ^dazzling  picture  of  Niagara  in  the  winter,  though  it  is  not 
S^nT«t  sufficient  length:   *♦    ♦    *    We  take  leave  of  our  author  with  a 
Svely  sense  oWsSriptive  powers,  his  .aiety  and  good  humor,  and  with 
UTnv   thanks  for  reviving  so  agreeably  the  recollection   of  places  made 
SasJcal  S    trik  ngTvenl  in  American  history,  or  that  have  grown  dear  to 
the  hea  t  by  the  gratification  they  have  afforded  to  the  love  of  the  beautiful. 
NortTAmUcanReview,  1843  (4),  Vol.  LXII,  pp.  252-3. 


A.  S.  BARNES  &  CO., 


NEW  YORK. 


